Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (RD/MB)

Karkala, Aug 30: A controversy over the road related to quarrying activity that comes under the jurisdiction of Sooda gram panchayat (GP) in Karkala taluk has blown into greater proportions. 

The road that passes through private property at the limits of GP has been extensively used by trucks involved in quarrying.  The panchayat administration has cleared the blockade that was laid by a private land owner in the stretch of road that passes through his free hold property.  Tense situation prevailed when the clearing process was in progress on Monday, August 28.

Case history: The laterite quarry called Manjalpade lies in Koraje in Sooda village.  Two locals began the quarry during 1996.  They tried the following year to install a crusher in order to extract huge volumes of laterite slabs which work otherwise would require many days for the manual workmen, but it was foiled because of the opposition from neighbouring residents.

The quarrying has been in progress on an half-an-acre plot secured on lease while they have covered over 10 acres to extract laterite slabs.  Moreover, none of the petitions to department concerned and local administration by the residents has succeeded in stalling the trade.  Despite their agitations over the years, the quarrying continues unabated.