Quarry-affected Karnataka villagers court arrest during protest

Defying the prohibitory orders, the residents of Chandahalli in Maddur taluk are braving an alleged crackdown by the local administration to protest against a quarry crushing rocks for the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway Project.

The villagers have been protesting for the 15 days after the authorities allegedly failed to ensure the safety of their properties and compensation for the losses suffered by them. However, the officials are confident that the ‘logjam’ between quarry owners and locals will be resolved soon to facilitate road construction works.

On Friday, the demonstrators continued their protest in a quarry pit amidst heavy police deployment. Though the locals were wary of the police action against them, support from local organisations bolstered their confidence.

Contentions

Many of the villagers, though not opposed to the quarry, insist that the activity be carried out following all government regulations.

Leading the protest, Ramesh Gowda of Kasturi Karnataka Janapara Vedike contended that the authorities and the company, involved in quarrying, has meted out injustice to the locals after assuring them of compensation for the damages caused.

“We have held protests five times over the last few months. Previous demonstrations were stopped by slapping fake cases against villagers,” he claimed.

Krishnappa is among the residents of the village whose house has borne the brunt of blasting at the quarry.

“For the first month, everything was fine. However, for more than six months now, the intensity of the blasts has caused problems for everyone,” he said.

Those with kutcha residences fear that continued quarrying will bring down the walls of their homes.

Another resident Nagamma accused the authorities of turning a blind eye towards the plight of the villagers.

“Despite well-irrigated lands around, Chandahalli is a rain-fed village. If all water sources are contaminated, how are we supposed to live here? Only if the district administration conducts a thorough health check-up will they understand the extent of the problem the quarry has caused over the years,” she said.

Premature and aborted birth of calves and lambs, contaminated water sources and constant dust are among the issues faced by the residents.

Tahsildar reaction

When contacted, Maddur tahsildar Vijaykumar H B said that the quarry was leased to a private firm constructing NH-275 and all guidelines have been followed.

“The company has already offered Rs 40 lakh compensation to affected villages. They have also given an undertaking to offer assistance to anyone affected,” he said.

Protesters arrested

Mandya police detained Chandahalli villagers who were demonstrating against the quarry on Friday evening. According to locals, 42 residents of the village were detained for protesting despite the prohibitory orders. They were held at Maddur Rural police station, with sources hinting at possible FIRs against the protestors for the blockade against the quarry.