Illegal quarries threaten ancient Kerala Church

It is believed that St Thomas, the Apostle, spent his time here in prayer during his apostolic work.

(Photo: The Hindu)

Malayattoor:  The increasing number of quarries operating near the church of Malayattoor Kurisumudi in Kerala is posing a threat to the ancient structure, say local people and Church officials.

Malayattoor Kurisumudi entered the global religious map in 2004 when the Vatican declared St Thomas Church here as an international pilgrimage shrine.

It is believed that St Thomas, the Apostle, spent his time here in prayer during his apostolic work. This church is believed to one among the seven churches established by St Thomas, who reached Kerala aboard an Arab trading vessel.

As per the Mining and Geology Department records seven major quarries are functioning around the pilgrim centre, which sits on just around 120 acres of land. The local residents, however, pooh-pooh the official data and pointed out that as many as 11 quarries are functioning around the shrine.

The government is turning a blind eye to the issue and it seems to be solely interested in making money. The blasts rock the church building, posing a threat to its stability, the New Indian Express reported.

According to Father John Thekkanath of Malayatoor church, if mining continues the shrine will soon become history. “The rising number of quarries are major threat to the international shrine and the residents as well. It is sad to know that most of the illegal mining is happening with the full support of the government authorities,” the priest said.

He added that a case has been filed with the Green Tribunal in Chennai regarding illegal mining but the final verdict is yet to come. “It is the government which should understand the importance of the shrine and take an initiative to solve the issue. It should call back the permits given to quarries near the pilgrimage centre,” the priest added.

Though the residents have approached the district administration, various government departments and also the High Court, nothing favourable has happened till date. They alleged that the quarry owners are exploiting loopholes in law.Last year, the residents had formed an action council to take up the quarry issue but they couldn’t do much and the council had to be disbanded after goons threatened them.“The deafening blasts and stone dust from the quarry are a big threat to the health of people and also to their homes. Many houses here have developed cracks. But everyone is afraid to speak against the mining mafia. The government has shot down all the pleas urging it to stop the functioning of quarries,” said Shibu, CPI(M) leader.

“The forest department hasn’t taken action against the quarry owners even though most of the loading and unloading happens through the forest check post. The penalty for flouting rules should be made strong,” said Malayattoor-Nileshwaram panchayat president Radhakrishnan Chengattu.

Source: New Indian Express