Large quantities of water accumulate in stone quarries during the rainy season. Several incidents have been reported in which people lost their lives after entering these water-filled quarries for swimming.

While sand mining is banned during the monsoon, there is no such restriction on stone quarrying. However, mining activity is generally reduced because of water accumulation, except in locations where blasting and vehicle movement are still possible.

Owners must ensure safety

After about two months, the accumulated water is drained and quarrying resumes. Officials say quarry owners who temporarily stop operations must prevent public entry into the quarry premises. If a quarry has been permanently closed, it must be filled with soil and stones.

According to regulations, quarry owners are responsible for any accident that occurs at their quarry. However, members of the public allege that these rules are not being properly implemented.

Four quarry zones in Udupi taluk

Udupi taluk has four building stone quarry areas. Officials said quarry owners are instructed to provide adequate security if mining activities are suspended to prevent people from entering the sites.

They warned that if safety rules are violated and an accident occurs, the quarry owner will be held responsible.

Officials added that no deaths have been reported so far in quarry areas of Udupi taluk. Quarry operators are also directed to close quarries after mining is completed, failing which legal action will be taken.

Allegations of lack of inspections

The Mines and Geology Department issues notices to quarry owners every year. However, there are allegations that officials conduct site inspections only after receiving public complaints and do not carry out regular inspections on their own.

Vindhya, Deputy Director of the Mines Department, said the department issues notices before the monsoon directing quarry owners to take all necessary safety measures. She reiterated that quarry owners would be held responsible if any accident occurs.

Mangaluru taluk: Safety measures still inadequate

Mangaluru: In several parts of Mangaluru taluk, abandoned laterite and black stone quarries have been left open, allowing rainwater to collect and increasing the risk of accidents during the monsoon.

Some quarries have been closed, while others have been fenced. However, safety measures are still pending at several locations.

There are 17 licensed black stone quarries and six licensed laterite quarries in Mangaluru taluk. Across Dakshina Kannada district, there are 121 black stone quarries and 28 laterite quarries.

Illegal quarrying under scrutiny

During a visit to Mangaluru in December last year, the Deputy Lokayukta inspected sites where illegal laterite quarrying was allegedly taking place and directed that suo motu FIRs be registered.

Following the visit, Lokayukta officials submitted their report. Allegations remain that many laterite quarries across the district have been left open without being closed as required under the rules.

According to regulations, permission granted for quarrying related to agricultural purposes does not allow deep excavation. The land must instead be levelled. However, investigations found that many quarries had been excavated far deeper than permitted.

The Lokayukta inquiry also found instances where quarry operators allegedly obtained permission for one survey number but extended quarrying into adjoining survey numbers.

Senior Geologist Dileep Kumar of the Department of Mines and Geology, Dakshina Kannada, said quarry licence holders are responsible for ensuring all safety measures. He added that fencing around abandoned quarries after the licence period ends is mandatory.