Stone quarries ringing the bell of danger

Mangaluru: Stone quarries are remembered as the monsoon draws closer. Since a few years, the stone quarries have claimed one or another life and it seems like they are getting ready to spread terror again. Though the district administration gives clear directions to install fencing around the water filled quarries during the monsoon, this has not been implemented completely.

To start a stone quarry, NOC is required from the revenue and forest department and the land has to be leased from the Mines and geology departments. But in many cases, pits have been dug without procuring this type of lease. The removal of stone through this way will only lead to the creation of massive pits. During the monsoon, these pits get filled with water. But, there have been a few deaths of individuals who had come to such quarries to play or for any other reason without prior information. More or less in the last 5 years more than 15 people have drowned in such pits.

Though the district administration gives clear directions to install fencing around the water filled quarries during the monsoon, this is not being implemented effectively. Therefore there is clearly a sign of danger. Thought the local administration has taken action against this it has failed to be effective.

Pits are taking away lives!

The people in the district come forward to give their property for stone removal since there is a good income achieved by giving ones private property for stone removal. An empty spot plot somewhere amidst the property is given to the contractor for stone removal. The stone miners first dig a hole to check the quality of the stone post which they carry on with the mining, but if the stone is not woth it, they will leave the pit as is and vacate. Many such pits have been responsible for taking away lives. 6 children died in such a quarry at Beluvai in Moodbidri.

Quarry becomes a pond!

The danger posed by the big red stone quarries in public spaces as well as the small and medium size quarries in private properties is equal. The small quarries in private properties remain as is with idea for further use. But, if a wall is built around such a pit, it would definitely save lives.

Water Drainage!

The district administration closes the huge ponds formed from empty quarry pits in the monsoon. But, many cultivators have done shown that such quarries can be utilized to save water with proper safety facility. The work of fencing all the four sides of the unusable quarries to collect rain water and let it drain into the ground is being carried quietly.