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New Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
SHRC orders probe into Pullampara quarry blasts, seeks vibration tests and SEIAA clearance check
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has ordered the district collector to initiate an immediate inquiry into complaints regarding safety concerns arising from a quarry near Pullampara. The commission has designated the deputy collector in charge of disaster management to lead the investigation. Chairperson Alexander Thomas has told the collector that the inquiry should address allegations that explosions from the quarry have caused cracks to appear in nearby homes. He instructed that the report be submitted within six weeks and that it include verification of whether the quarry holds valid clearance from the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to operate. Additionally, the commission has asked the Pullampara grama panchayat secretary and the district environmental engineer to participate in the site examination. Authorities are also required to notify local residents, including the complainant, Dr S Anas, who raised concerns about the safety of families living nearby. The collector has told the commission that Dr Anas resides within 150 metres of the quarry and he has confirmed the presence of cracks in his home. The quarry owner has been directed to conduct blasting and vibration tests through a government-approved agency to determine if the damage is attributable to the quarry's operations. Residents of Pullampara have alleged that panchayat secretary P Sunilkumar renewed the quarry's permit for an additional year without the approval of the governing committee. Approximately 50 homes in the area are at risk due to their location on a vulnerable slope, with at least 15 already showing signs of cracking. Last year, a landslide from the quarry area destroyed two houses, though seven people, including four children, were rescued in time. Panchayat president P V Rajesh has claimed that Sunilkumar bypassed democratic processes in extending the permit and has indicated that legal action will follow. Under an interim order from the Kerala High Court, the quarry's permit is valid only until May 26, 2025. Local residents have accused the quarry management of using a 2018 Environmental Clearance with misleading information regarding the distance to residential areas to secure permit extensions.
New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Landslide fear grips Pullampara
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Residents of Pullampara panchayat in Venjaramoodu are increasingly anxious as the monsoon gains strength, with the Neenu Crusher Industry quarry still operational despite its permit expiring on Monday. Locals allege that panchayat secretary P Sunilkumar extended the quarry's permit for another year without the governing committee's approval. Approximately 50 houses in the area sit on a vulnerable slope, and cracks have already developed in at least 15 of them. Last year, a late-night landslip originating from behind the quarry destroyed two homes. Fortunately, seven people, including four children, were rescued just in time. Panchayat president P V Rajesh criticised the actions of Sunilkumar, claiming the decision lacked transparency and bypassed democratic processes. 'While he has the authority to issue a licence, he should have consulted the governing committee, given the genuine concerns of the community. We have collectively decided to take legal action,' Rajesh said. Sunilkumar, who is retiring from service on May 31, has reportedly gone on leave since the controversy arose. Residents have lodged complaints with both the chief minister's and the industries minister's offices. According to an interim Kerala High Court order, the quarry's permit was valid only until May 26, 2025. Locals accuse the quarry management of relying on a 2018 Environmental Clearance that contained false claims about the distance between the quarry and their homes to gain approval for an extension. Residents from Pullampara, Mamoodu, and Mukkodil report that the blasts from the quarry shake their homes, causing significant damage. Many are living in cracked houses, dreading the upcoming rains. In March 2025, State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) rejected the quarry's application, citing illegal operations and outstanding fines. The Department of Geology confirmed the presence of cracks in several homes but indicated that a vibration test was necessary to determine if blasting caused the damage.
