Residents allege illegal mining, threat to houses at Pirayiri-Mambra quarry

Residents of Pirayiri and Mambra areas have alleged illegal mining and excessive blasting at a granite quarry, claiming that the activities have damaged nearby houses and pose a risk to a government water tank and a 110-kv power line.

According to the residents, repeated blasting has 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 alleged that the quarry is violating the conditions of its permits and environmental clearances. They claimed that the quarry extracts four to five times the legally permitted quantity of granite each day and transports it in around 150 trucks. They have sought an investigation into the quantity of granite mined and transported and the resulting loss of government revenue.