Explosion in stone quarry damages house

A house near a stone quarry in Kaudur village near Gurupur, got damaged due to large-scale explosions in the quarry on Tuesday evening.

Stones are being extracted from the quarry by exploding dynamites at the site belonging to Chandrahas Amin.

During a similar explosion on Tuesday, the house, belonging to Madappa Poojary, faced the brunt as some extracted stones came tumbling on the tiles of the house, damaging it badly. Also, some utensils and furniture inside the house were damaged. However, the members of the house escaped unhurt.

Madappa Poojary lodged a complaint at the Bajpe police station. The local people have alleged that the quarrying is being conducted by using dynamites, which is against the rules. Following complaints earlier, the competent authority had asked the miners not to use explosives. But, the instruction has not been paid heed to. The quarrying activity has threatened the lives of people nearby, especially that of schoolchildren. Several houses and a temple were damaged due to the quarrying. Many houses in the vicinity have developed cracks on the walls.

Villagers of Kauduru have been fighting against the illegality for the past four years and many complaints have been lodged in this regard. Following the same, many residents have been threatened with dire consequences by the quarry owner. One person who tried to oppose the stone quarrying was allegedly attacked, the villagers said. The investigation against the miners is pending before Lokayukta.