KOCHI: The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) has instructed the Local Self Government Department to make sure that the deserted quarry pits are barricaded with proper fencing. The Commission’s instructions comes in the wake of increasing number of incidents in which children are getting drowned in disused quarry pits.
Earlier in June, a child drowned to death at a quarry in Mudakkuzha-Pettamala near Perumbavoor while taking bath in the pit along with his friends. “If a quarry stops functioning, the panchayat authorities should inform the District Collector as soon as possible.
The panchayat used to collect additional fee from the quarry owners for fencing work, but the work was never carried out. Hence, the Collector should make sure that the fencing is done and seek a report from the grama panchayat regarding that,” directed the Commission.
Unused wells and ponds should also be cordoned off by erecting a fence. On July 3, a nine-year-old girl died after she fell into an abandoned well while cycling with friends in Muvattupzha.