Lok Sabha Question No. 2573 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Collapse of Quarries in Kannur, Kerala
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2573

ANSWERED ON 07.08.2024

## COLLAPSE OF QUARRIES IN KANNUR, KERALA

2573. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the collapse of two quarries in Vattipram near Koothuparambu  in  Kannur  that  resulted  in  a  mudslide  which  caused  significant destruction to properties and loss of life;
- (b) whether the Government is planning to conduct any inquiry into the indiscriminate quarrying in the hills of this region;
- (c) if so, the details of the actions taken by the Ministry to contain the issue that has even taken many lives over the years and if not, the reasons therefor; (d) whether the Union Government has issued any directions to the State Government on the regulation of such quarries, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and (e)  the  names  and  total  number  of  private  parties  that  have  been  given  permit  for
- mining in Kerala?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a)  to  (c)  As  per  Section  15  of  MMDR  Act,  1957,  the  State  Governments  are empowered to make rules, by a notification in Official Gazette, for regulating the grant of  quarry  leases,  mining  leases  or  other  mineral  concessions  in  respect  of  minor minerals and for purposes connected therewith. Accordingly, Government of Kerala has framed the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1967.

As per the information received from Government of Kerala, on 21.07.2024, a collapse of  overburden  soil  occurred  in  an  abandoned  quarry  located  at  Vattipparam  in Mangattidam Village, Kannur District. Quarrying operations in the area ceased twenty years ago. Currently, the abandoned quarry is inundated with water, reaching depth of over 25 meters. When the soil collapsed into the water, a surge of mud and loose rock fragments erupted, completely destroying the roof of one house and damaging the roof of another. There have been no casualties reported from the incident and the affected residents have been relocated to a relief camp. The water accumulated in the abandoned quarry has been pumped outside using a motor pump. This matter has been discussed in a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority, and the District  Administration  of  Kannur  has  taken  steps  to  provide  relief  to  the  affected individuals.

(d) The provisions for occupational safety & health for persons employed in the mines have been made in the Mines Act 1952 and rules & regulations framed thereunder. DGMS under Ministry of Labour & Employment, issues circulars from time to time based on the accidents and the technological advancements in the mining method and the machinery. Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), regularly inspects the mines registered with Shram-Suvidha Portal. Based on inspections, actions like pointing out contraventions, temporary stoppages of a mine or part thereof; serving the improvement notice and Prohibitory Orders to rectify the contraventions of statute observed  during  the  course  of  inspections,  are  taken.  State  Authorities  are  also suitably addressed in case of serious violations.

On  05.08.2024,  in  response  to  a  request  from  the  District  Disaster  Management Authority, officials from the State Disaster Management Authority, the DGMS, and the Mining and Geology Department of Government of Kerala conducted an inspection of the affected area.

(e)  At present, there are 527 permitted quarries in the State of Kerala.

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