THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Residents of Pullampara panchayat in Venjaramoodu are increasingly anxious as the monsoon gains strength, with the Neenu Crusher Industry quarry still operational despite its permit expiring on Monday. Locals allege that panchayat secretary P Sunilkumar extended the quarry’s permit for another year without the governing committee’s approval.
Approximately 50 houses in the area sit on a vulnerable slope, and cracks have already developed in at least 15 of them. Last year, a late-night landslip originating from behind the quarry destroyed two homes. Fortunately, seven people, including four children, were rescued just in time.
Panchayat president P V Rajesh criticised the actions of Sunilkumar, claiming the decision lacked transparency and bypassed democratic processes. “While he has the authority to issue a licence, he should have consulted the governing committee, given the genuine concerns of the community. We have collectively decided to take legal action,” Rajesh said. Sunilkumar, who is retiring from service on May 31, has reportedly gone on leave since the controversy arose.
Residents have lodged complaints with both the chief minister’s and the industries minister’s offices. According to an interim Kerala High Court order, the quarry’s permit was valid only until May 26, 2025. Locals accuse the quarry management of relying on a 2018 Environmental Clearance that contained false claims about the distance between the quarry and their homes to gain approval for an extension.
Residents from Pullampara, Mamoodu, and Mukkodil report that the blasts from the quarry shake their homes, causing significant damage. Many are living in cracked houses, dreading the upcoming rains.
In March 2025, State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) rejected the quarry’s application, citing illegal operations and outstanding fines. The Department of Geology confirmed the presence of cracks in several homes but indicated that a vibration test was necessary to determine if blasting caused the damage.
Following this, a team from the engineering department at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Surathkal conducted a controlled blast, which they claimed was favourable to the quarry, allowing operations to continue. However, locals allege the test was manipulated to protect the quarry’s interests.
According to SEIAA’s report, the quarry has been operating illegally and was fined `84 lakh in 2023. Yet, quarrying continued until April 24, 2025. Residents insist that the damage incurred during this period warrants further probe.
MLA D K Murali said that the issue had not been presented to the panchayat’s governing body. “I forwarded residents’ complaints to the relevant government departments, but the matter is now in court. Various departments need to conduct tests that will satisfy the court’s requirements. While it’s a legitimate concern, the government cannot take special actions when legal proceedings are under way,” he said. Despite ongoing fears, no safety measures or disaster protocols have been implemented, and the Disaster Management Authority has yet to visit the site. As officials remain silent, residents are planning to stage a protest.