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

The land in question, located in Survey Number 343, spans one acre and belongs to a private owners.

Virajpet: Residents of Kadangamarur and Arameri villages in Virajpet taluk, Kodagu, have strongly opposed the reopening of a stone quarry near the Kallumotte area, which has remained shut for the past 20 years. The villagers argue that resuming quarrying activities would endanger around 40 houses located just a few metres away and severely impact their agricultural livelihoods.

The villagers allege that vibrations and debris from blasting at the quarry site would cause structural damage to nearby homes and disrupt key agricultural activities, including coffee, arecanut, paddy, banana, and pepper cultivation. "Our livelihoods depend on these crops, and the dust and noise from the quarry will render farming untenable," said Codanda Sura, a resident whose home is just 100 metres from the proposed site.

The land in question, located in Survey Number 343, spans one acre and belongs to a private owners. According to villagers, Venugopal A.R., has applied for a license to operate a stone crusher from the Department of Mines and Geology. Concerned about the environmental and social repercussions, villagers lodged a formal complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu, seeking to block the proposal.

According to a press release by villagers, on 23 October, following the villagers’ complaints, Virajpet Tahsildar H.N. Ramachandra led a site inspection along with other officials. File Photo

Key cultural and communal structures, such as the ancestral homes (ainmanes) of the Baltikalanda, Balyanda, Cholanda, Codanda, and Ballachanda families, are located within 500 metres of the quarry. Additionally, the area hosts a Mariyamma Temple, an Anganwadi centre, and a grain bank, all of which the villagers claim are at risk.

According to a press release by villagers, on 23 October, following the villagers’ complaints, Virajpet Tahsildar H.N. Ramachandra led a site inspection along with officials from the revenue and police departments, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Kakotuparambu and Kadanur Gram panchayat’s, and other concerned authorities. The villagers presented their objections during this visit.

Despite this, the residents allege that no conclusive action has been taken. In a press conference at the Madikeri Press Club on 18 November, they expressed frustration over the lack of follow-up. They pointed out that a drone survey by the Department of Mines and Geology confirmed that the area within 500 metres of the quarry falls under a buffer zone, spanning Kakotuparambu and Kadanur Gram panchayat’s.

Villagers claimed a drone survey by the Mines and Geology Department confirmed the quarry lies within a 500-metre buffer zone spanning Kakotuparambu and Kadanur gram panchayats. File Photo

“The environment, homes, and agriculture will all be severely impacted if this quarry is allowed to operate,” stated the villagers in a press release. They emphasised that the absence of clear communication from authorities has only added to their distress.

The villagers warned that they would stage mass protests if their concerns remain unaddressed by the district authorities and officials. “This is a fight for our survival. We will not allow this quarry to devastate our lives and heritage,” they asserted.

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly give us a call or WhatsApp at 9108795369

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)