Revenue Officials Inspect Proposed Quarry Site in Kodagu After Villagers Raise Concerns

Quarry site at Kallumotte near Kadangamarur and Arameri villages in Virajpet taluk, Kodagu. | Photo: File/The Kodagu Express

Virajpet: Revenue Department officials on Tuesday inspected the proposed stone quarry site at Kallumotte near Kadangamarur and Arameri villages in Virajpet taluk following strong opposition from local residents and a series of reports by The Kodagu Express highlighting concerns over plans to reopen the quarry, which has remained closed for nearly 20 years.

The inspection was carried out on the directions of the Kodagu district administration and the Virajpet Tahsildar. Revenue Department official Harish visited the site to assess the concerns raised by villagers regarding the proposed quarrying activities.

Also Read: Villagers Oppose Reopening of Stone Quarry in Kadangamarur and Arameri villages in Virajpet

Residents have been demanding that the government permanently halt the proposal, arguing that restarting quarry operations would pose a serious threat to around 40 houses located just a few metres from the site and adversely affect the environment and agriculture in the area.

"We have been fighting against the proposed quarry since 2022 as it will damage houses, agriculture and the environment in these two villages. In 2024, we submitted a complaint to the Tahsildar, following which officials visited the site for an inspection. We want the government to stop this project permanently to protect our villages," said Codanda Manjula Aiyappa.

Also Read: Two Villages in Kodagu Oppose Mining, Cite Threat to Homes and Forests

Villagers allege that blasting at the quarry would generate vibrations and flying debris that could damage nearby homes and disrupt farming activities. The region is known for cultivating coffee, arecanut, paddy, banana and pepper, which residents say would be be severely affected if quarrying resumes.

The proposed quarry is located on a one-acre private land in Survey Number 343. According to villagers, the landowner, Venugopal A.R., has applied to the Department of Mines and Geology for permission to establish a stone crusher at the site.

Residents have also submitted a formal representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu seeking to reject the proposal.

They further pointed out that several culturally significant structures, including the ancestral ainmanes of the Baltikalanda, Balyanda, Cholanda, Codanda and Ballachanda families, are situated within 500 metres of the proposed quarry. A Mariyamma Temple, an Anganwadi centre and a grain bank are also located nearby, raising concerns over their safety if quarrying activities are permitted.

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