Lime kilns face a 'whitewash'

Tradesmen face grim future as demand for material falls

But a few people involved in this trade can still be found in some villages of the taluk.
Kamalapur is one such village. Limestone kilns are still to be found on the outskirts of this village. Those in the trade pick the limestones found in the foot of the hills or on the banks of the river, bake them and sell them for a living.

Usually, the limestone kilns are located on the outskirts of the village. The kilns are six feet in length and four feet in width and have a fireplace at the bottom. Firewood or charcoal are used to bake the limestones.

The limestones are placed in layers alternating with layers of firewood or charcoal. Mud forms the topmost layer, before the firewood or charcoal is lit up. The limestone is baked for three days, before the limestones is ready for sale.

Falling hard
“The kilns are dilapidated. There is also a decrease in the availability of limestone. The profit margin is low after all the hard work we do before selling it. Hence, people are shifting to other professions. Since, readymade limestone powder is available in packets, the demand for our product is on the decline,” Sunnakallu Ningappa told Deccan Herald.

The demand goes up during festivals when people whitewash their homes. Limestone is sold at Rs eight per measuring jar (seru).

“Consuming limestone is good for teeth and bones as it contains calcium. Whitewashing the walls once or twice a year helps get rid of insects and pests at home. In villages, there is still the practice of using limestone along with brick pieces as concrete for roofing purposes,” said Ningappa.

Limestone is a key raw material in the manufacture of cement. Limestone powder is sprinkled on silkworms as a protection against diseases,” he added.

Ningappa and his ilk know no other profession than baking limestone, the demand for which is coming down in the wake of availability of different types of paints. Difficult days ahead for them indeed.