The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has instructed the Chadayamangalam grama panchayat secretary to present responses from various departments regarding complaints lodged by local residents against a black stone quarry. The complaints allege that the quarry is causing severe environmental pollution, adversely affecting the health and living conditions of nearby residents.
Commission's Directive
Commission member V Geetha directed that the relevant documents be submitted at a sitting in Kollam. If a High Court order permits the quarry's operation, a copy of that order must also be furnished to the commission. This directive follows a complaint by a resident who stated that pollution and dust from trucks heading to the quarry have made living conditions unbearable.
Panchayat Secretary's Submission
During the proceedings, the panchayat secretary informed the commission that the High Court has granted permission for the quarry's operation from May 2023 to July 2027. He further stated that the quarry owner has not violated any licensing conditions. However, complaints raised by residents against the quarry have been forwarded to various departments that issued mining permits, but responses have not yet been received from these departments.
The secretary also mentioned that further actions based on the complaints will be taken with the approval of the panchayat committee, as directed by the heads of relevant departments. This lack of response prompted the commission to direct the submission of the reports.
Background
The black stone quarry in Chadayamangalam has been a source of contention, with locals claiming that dust and noise pollution from the quarry and associated truck traffic have degraded their quality of life. The SHRC's intervention aims to ensure that the concerns of the residents are addressed and that all necessary departments provide their responses in a timely manner.
