Fresh complaints have surfaced from the upland regions of Kozhikode over the alleged large-scale violations of safety norms by a section of granite quarry operators, posing serious threat to the life and property of residents.
The immediate trigger for the renewed protest was an incident at Thottumukkam on February 22, 2026, in which two residents sustained injuries after broken pieces of granite stones fell on them following a blast at a nearby quarry. The injured were among those participating in a month-long strike demanding the closure of the quarry unit in the area.
Residents alleged that the intensity of explosions used for rock blasting routinely exceeded the permitted capacity. They said it was not an isolated incident, recalling similar instances where many were injured by flying debris. Uncontrolled explosions have also reportedly caused structural damage to several houses.
In Kodiyathur panchayat, several houses developed cracks following high-intensity blasts. Environmentalists said the explosions were carried out in violation of rules, but complaints in that regard had failed to elicit stringent action by the authorities.
Office-bearers of a local environmental action committee also expressed concern about the lack of periodic checking of explosive materials stocked in large-scale quarries. With over 100 active quarries functioning in Kozhikode, inspections are held once in a blue moon, they complained.
A former local body member said the police, instead of conducting flash inspections, were blindly relying on statements given by quarry operators on the day-to-day functioning of the units. There have been instances of operators buying complainants’ properties as part of the planned displacement of those opposed to illegal mining, he alleged.
A farmers’ organisation leader from Kodiyathur panchayat said vehicles transporting explosives to rural quarries were seldom intercepted for inspection. He claimed that there were no proper checking mechanisms to ensure lawful transportation of explosives in permitted quantities.
Environmental activists who were earlier part of agitations spearheaded by Kerala Prakruthi Samrakshana Samiti said the rule mandating the presence of at least two trained personnel—a mine manager and a shot-firer or blaster—was being ignored in the name of the austerity measures in several locations.
The activists also claimed that gunpowder magazines were set up near garden lands by many quarry operators in the past in violation of safety guidelines. Many such storage units lacked adequate safeguards against fire or lightning, they argued.
Meanwhile, senior Revenue officials said the Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives was aware of the matter and had initiated safety audits. They also made it clear that surprise inspections would be resumed in the wake of fresh public complaints from isolated locations.
Published – February 25, 2026 07:50 pm IST
