Kottarakkara: A team led by RDO inspected the controversial mining site near Inchakad Ayiravallipara and conduct the survey as per the instruction of the High Court of Kerala. The inspection was conducted ahead of submitting the report to the High Court. Besides RDO G Suresh Babu, mining and geology control board, survey, police and panchayat officials were part of the inspection and survey team.

The High Court, considering a petition that mining would adversely affect the ecology of Aayiravallipara rock structure and the surrounding area, recommended to inspect the site and submit a report.

B Vasedevan Pillai and VJ Jayachandran, both officials of the Inchakad Thiruvelicode Mahadevar temple and action council convener G Unnikrishnan Nair had filed the suit in the High Court stating that the rock mining would cause severe ecological damage in the area. They pointed out that the Ayiravallipara rock structure is not too far away from the mining area and that rituals are regularly conducted there. Besides, lamp posts too are installed at the rock structure where there is small pond that never dries up.

The authorities visited the site yesterday and measured the distance from the rock structure. The size and depth of the pond was also measured by the officials. The inspection that started at 11 am lasted for over two hours. The officials who had been part of the survey team will submit their reports to the RDO.

Meanwhile, the RDO will soon submit a consolidated report to the High Court. The High Court has ordered to submit this report by September 9. Meanwhile, the approval for mining would be considered based on this report.

The matter became controversial after private contractors approached the government departments seeking approval for mining near Ayirappara rock structure. However, the temple authorities and the local residents protested against the move to start mining here.