Residents claim illegal mining, threat to homes in the Pirayiri-Mambra quarry

PALAKKAD

Residents of Pirayiri and Mambra areas alleged illegal mining and excessive blasting in the granite quarry, claiming that these activities have damaged nearby houses and pose a risk to the government’s water reservoir and 110 sq.m. power line.

According to residents, repeated shelling caused cracks in the walls and roofs of nearby houses, with the damage worsening over time. Around 25 houses are at risk, they said, adding that some families fear they may have to leave their homes.

Residents also claimed the quarry was in breach of the terms of its permits and environmental clearances. They claimed that the quarry mines four to five times the legally permitted amount of granite every day and transports it in about 150 trucks. They sought to investigate the amount of granite mined and transported and the resulting loss of government revenue.

They said the operation of the quarry also posed a risk to the government’s 2.5 million liter capacity water reservoir and 110kv electricity transmission line near the site.

Residents alleged that complaints made to the local grama panchayat, district superintendent of police and district collector did not lead to effective action. They said even meetings with the quarry owner and officials did not resolve the issue.

They further disputed the quarry owner’s claim that the Kerala High Court had ordered police protection of its operations. According to residents, the order issued a few months ago was limited to one month and was intended for test firings. They asked the authorities to clarify the status and validity of the court order.

Residents have asked for an official review to assess damage to homes, the impact of blasting, the amount of granite quarried and transported, and risks to public property and energy infrastructure.

They warned that if the authorities did not act, they would start protests. PP Sunai, A. Habeeba, SM Shamseela and VK Shajitha represented the residents here during a press conference.

The owner of the quarry could not be contacted. Those claiming to be quarry officials denied allegations of wrongdoing. They said they operate by following existing laws.

Published – 10 Oct 2026 18:17 IST