The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the Ernakulam district administration to conduct site inspections at abandoned quarries posing a danger and take urgent steps to install protective fencing, gates, and warning boards.

SHRC Chairperson Alexander Thomas issued the order in a suo motu case registered on the basis of a The Hindu report on safety threats posed by around 70 abandoned quarries in the district.

The Commission, in its order, directed the officials concerned to identify the owners of the abandoned quarries and legally instruct them to construct protective fencing. If the owners or permit holders fail to comply, the District Collector, in her capacity as the managing trustee of the District Mineral Foundation, should arrange for the fencing to be installed, the order said.

The District Geologist, Executive Engineer of the Public Works department, secretary of Thripunithura municipality, and secretaries of Mudakkuzha, Thiruvaniyoor, Mookkannoor, Malayattoor-Neeleeswaram, Parakkadavu and Varappetty grama panchayats have been directed to conduct inspections in coordination with the Joint Director of the Local Self-Government department and the assistant engineer.

The Commission had earlier registered a suo motu case following the drowning of a Delhi-based model in the Pettamala quarry in Mudakkuzha near Perumbavoor. In a report submitted to the Commission, the Collector had said that the quarry safety fund could be used to install fencing, gates, and warning boards at abandoned quarries. The Collector had also directed the District Geologist to prepare a list of quarries in dangerous condition.

The Director of Mining and Geology informed the Commission that there was no legal impediment to using the District Mineral Foundation funds for the purpose.

The Commission directed the District Collector, District Geologist, and the secretaries of the local bodies concerned to submit reports on the action taken within six weeks.

The Ernakulam Revenue Divisional Officer, assistant geologist, panchayat secretaries, and secretary of Thripunithura municipality have also been directed to appear in person at the Commission’s sitting at the PWD Rest House at Pathadippalam here at 10 a.m. on November 12.

Published - August 14, 2026 06:56 pm IST