Malappuram: In a strong display of public resistance, residents of Aroor in Pulikkal near Kondotty halted operations at a quarry allegedly functioning in violation of a Kerala High Court order. The quarry, operational for over 13 years, has long been a source of concern due to frequent blasting and the resulting damage to nearby homes.

The High Court had issued an order on June 30 directing a complete halt to quarrying activities in the area. However, locals allege that operations resumed in blatant disregard of the directive. On witnessing renewed activity, residents gathered at the site and forcibly stopped the work.

Nearly 50 families living in the vicinity have been affected by the quarry for years. Cracks have appeared in homes both nearby and several kilometres away, with continuous blasting reportedly compromising structural integrity and raising serious safety concerns. Residents also allege that heavy vehicle movement from the quarry has severely damaged access roads to many houses in the area.

V Baby Rajani, a local panchayat member, voiced her frustration. “This quarry has been a source of unrest in our area for a long time. Despite repeated efforts by the panchayat, operators manage to bypass local orders by securing favourable court rulings. Many homes have been damaged,” she said.

Though protests have been ongoing for several years, the latest breach of the High Court’s order triggered a fresh wave of mobilisation. Police later arrived at the site and ordered an immediate halt to operations.