Soil mining triggers public outrage at Pozhikkavukunnu

A view of the soil mine at Pozhikkavukunnu, Chelannur, Kozhikode.
| Photo Credit: K. Ragesh

Local residents are maintaining a tight vigil at Pozhikkavukunnu in Chelannur grama panchayat in Kozhikode, where soil mining for landfilling as part of the National Highway 66 construction has resulted in a public outrage.

“Despite our repeated requests and protests, the trucks come to this region to take away the soil. The authorities have abandoned us. We have no options but to protect our hill ourselves”, said P. Suresh Kumar, local councillor and one of the leaders of the protest.

Matters escalated on Friday (January 10) when the protest committee returned from the Civil station, where they had carried out a Collectorate march demanding that the sand mining be stopped. “Several trucks turned up in the afternoon escorted by the police and with the concurrence of the authorities. We blocked them, and they had to return,” he added. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, also the local MLA, intervened and suspended soil mining for two days.

Earlier this week, the geologist’s report submitted to the District Collector triggered protests from local residents, who accused the geologist of filing a fake report. “The same geologist had earlier highlighted that the soil mining was being conducted unscientifically. However, in the second report, he claimed the issues had been resolved, which is far from true,” said Mr. Suresh. In the initial report, the geologist pointed out that the mining lacked a layered approach, the boundary line was undefined, and several safety measures were absent. Following this, the panchayat appointed another geologist to conduct a joint investigation. However, the two geologists failed to reach a consensus.

Mr. Saseendran had assured the local residents that he would personally oversee discussions on the matter and ensure an amicable resolution. However, the protest committee remains vigilant. “We don’t trust the authorities. They have failed to deliver on their previous promises,” Mr. Suresh added.