Quarrying near public roads throwing norms to winds in Thrissur triggers panic among locals

Vadakkancherry: Two roads have been severely damaged in the blasts at the quarry functioning at Panniyankara Choorakotukulambu. Rocks are quarried from the site located within a distance of one metre from Panniyankara - Chelliparambu Road that begins from the Panniyankara national highway as well as the Panniyankara - Kolakkode Road. Rocks are blasted at a depth of 15 - 35 metres, causing huge craters here.

Two roads are on the verge of destruction as truckloads of mud and rocks are carried from here, violating the laws. People in the locality are worried that travelling through these roads may be extremely dangerous. Although the big craters have been barricaded using iron rods, local residents say that it is not a permanent fix. If the quarry closes down, then the site would be left unmanned, further posing danger to people.

The residents complain that the roads that were there for decades would completely disappear. They have also lodged a complaint with the district collector, urging the official to issue a stop memo to the quarry. Cracks have developed on the walls of the nearby houses by the heavy blasts in the quarry. Although the house owners have approached the geology department and the Kannambra village officer regarding this, no action has been taken until now.

People are scared to travel through these roads that are almost destroyed. Besides, they think that blasting off rocks at the quarry will ruin the prospects of the nearby Vavumala tourism project.