Mangaluru: Allegations of rampant illegal stone quarrying at Kolchar Hill in Saripalla on the outskirts of Mangaluru have triggered growing anger among residents, who claim the once-lush green landscape has been transformed into a dust-filled and noisy environment. Villagers allege that large-scale quarrying has continued for years in violation of mining regulations, while accusing the Department of Mines and Geology of failing to act despite repeated complaints.
Residents say the continuous quarrying operations have severely affected their quality of life, with pollution, damaged roads, health concerns and agricultural losses becoming everyday challenges. They have now warned of launching a large-scale protest if authorities fail to intervene.
Residents allege prolonged violations
According to local residents, stone quarrying has been taking place on Kolchar Hill for several years without adequate monitoring or enforcement. They allege that repeated complaints submitted to the concerned authorities have not resulted in effective action, allowing the quarrying activities to continue unchecked.
Villagers claim that the large-scale extraction of stone has drastically altered the natural landscape, replacing greenery with exposed rocky terrain. They argue that the environmental degradation has affected not only the hill but also the surrounding residential areas.
However, the allegations regarding illegal quarrying have not been independently verified, and no official response from the Department of Mines and Geology was immediately available.
Dust and noise disrupt daily life
Residents allege that the constant operation of heavy machinery and stone crushers has made life increasingly difficult. The persistent noise from quarrying equipment, coupled with thick clouds of dust generated throughout the day, has disrupted normal life in the locality.
Jesinta Lobo, a resident of Saripalla, said the village has lost its peaceful atmosphere because of the quarrying activities.
“Our peaceful village has become unlivable,” she said, describing how continuous noise and dust have affected families living near the hill.
Many residents claim they are unable to keep windows open due to dust settling inside their homes, while the constant movement of machinery continues well into the day.
Damaged roads add to commuters’ woes
Apart from environmental concerns, residents say the movement of heavily loaded trucks transporting stones has caused extensive damage to the Saripalla road.
According to villagers, the road has deteriorated significantly due to the frequent movement of overloaded vehicles. During the monsoon, muddy conditions make commuting difficult, while in summer, passing trucks generate large clouds of dust that reduce visibility for motorists.
Residents also point to numerous potholes that have developed on the stretch, claiming they pose a serious safety hazard for commuters and increase the risk of road accidents.
Rising health concerns
Health has emerged as another major concern for people living around Kolchar Hill.
Residents allege that prolonged exposure to dust has resulted in a growing number of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, persistent cough and breathing-related complications. Some villagers also claim that skin-related ailments have become more common because of continuous dust pollution.
According to residents, several children from the locality have required hospital treatment after developing respiratory problems, although no official health assessment has yet been released linking the illnesses directly to quarrying activities.
Farmers report damage to agricultural land
Farmers in the area also claim that quarrying activities have affected agriculture.
According to them, muddy runoff from the quarry site enters nearby agricultural fields during rainfall, damaging standing crops and reducing productivity. They allege that the contamination has affected fertile land and increased financial hardship for farming families that depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
Residents say protecting the environment is essential not only for public health but also for preserving agriculture in the area.
Protest warning issued
Expressing frustration over what they describe as continued official inaction, residents have warned that they will organise a large-scale public protest if the alleged illegal quarrying is not stopped.
They have urged the Dakshina Kannada district administration to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, take action against any illegal quarrying operations found during the inquiry, repair the damaged Saripalla road and implement measures to protect public health and the environment.
Villagers also want stricter monitoring of mining activities to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Residents seek immediate intervention
The controversy surrounding Kolchar Hill has highlighted growing concerns over balancing economic activity with environmental protection. Residents believe that preserving the hill and restoring the surrounding ecosystem should be treated as a priority before the damage becomes irreversible.
They say the once-green landscape now serves as a reminder of the environmental and social costs they claim to be bearing every day. As public dissatisfaction continues to grow, all eyes are now on the district administration and the concerned departments to examine the allegations and take appropriate action based on the findings.