Kerala - Kollam   

Protest against mining of clay

Staff Reporter

Mining causing health, eco problems

KOLLAM: The leaders of the Velichikala Action Council have reiterated that they would not allow the private clay factory at Velichikala near here to engage in clay mining within the Velichikala grama panchayat limits.

At a press conference here on Monday, the action council leaders, Odanavattom Vijayaprakash and Salim Amani, said that the mining was causing a lot of health and environmental problems in the area. They said that the company had acquired 100 acres of land at Velichikala for mining. Out of that 10 acres has been mined to a depth of 350 feet. The mining which started two years ago has resulted in drinking water wells in the area going dry. Even during the monsoon, the wells remain dry.

The mined clay is washed in acid and the waste is let out into the Pallimon River which runs through the area. Water from the same area of the river feeds two drinking water supply systems. The waste clay is dumped into a traditional wetland where paddy used to be cultivated. Three streams running through the area have been choked as a result of this dumping.

They pointed out that they are not against the company operating at Velichikala provided it runs as per norms. The residents of the area have also protested against the company operating at night.

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