CG Mirror News
Jashpur: Anger among villagers is steadily growing over the operation of a stone quarry in Pandripani (Pahadmuda), under Remte Gram Panchayat in Kunkuri Janpad of Jashpur district. Villagers have submitted a written complaint to Jashpur Collector Rohit Vyas, alleging that blasting at the quarry poses a serious threat to life and property and demanding an investigation and appropriate action.
The villagers’ primary question is why the quarry continues to operate despite repeated objections, a Gram Sabha resolution seeking its closure, and serious incidents allegedly linked to blasting.
Large Rock Lands Behind House After Blasting
An incident reported on August 12, 2026, has further increased concerns among villagers. According to the villagers, during blasting at the quarry, a large rock measuring approximately 3.4 feet reportedly flew and landed directly behind the house of Pandripani resident Dilip Ram.
The rock reportedly became embedded in the ground, while another piece measuring approximately 8 × 17 inches landed beside the house. Family members were present inside the house at the time of the incident and, according to villagers, narrowly escaped injury.
Villagers have raised the question: had the rock landed on a person or inside the house, who would have been held responsible?
Allegations of Continuous Risk Due to Blasting
Villagers allege that the quarry is located very close to a residential area, creating a constant risk due to blasting activities. They further claim that, on several occasions, adequate prior warnings or warning sirens were not provided before blasting.
However, the veracity of these allegations can only be established through an official investigation.
Gram Sabha Had Already Passed Resolution Seeking Closure
According to Remte Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Sarita, the Gram Sabha had already unanimously passed a resolution seeking the closure of the quarry, citing its proximity to the residential area and concerns regarding the safety of villagers.
Despite this, the continued operation of the quarry has caused resentment among residents. Villagers question why concrete administrative action has not been taken even after the matter was raised at the Gram Sabha level.
Collector Assures Investigation
The villagers brought the entire matter before Jashpur Collector Rohit Vyas. According to the villagers, the Collector took the complaint seriously and assured them that the matter would be investigated.
The villagers said they were informed that if any violation of safety standards, irregularities, or other shortcomings are found during the investigation, action would be taken as per the applicable rules.
The villagers are now awaiting the outcome of the administrative inquiry.
Allegations of Threats Against Son of Quarry Operator
Villagers have also levelled serious allegations against Amit Agrawal, the son of the quarry operator.
According to the villagers, following the August 12 incident, instead of acknowledging the incident involving the falling rock, the incident was allegedly described as a conspiracy by villagers.
Villagers also claim that they had previously faced alleged intimidation and threats. The version of the concerned person and quarry operator is also important and should be included to present the matter fairly.
Questions Over Panchayat Permission and Scheduled Area Provisions
Villagers have also raised questions regarding the quarry’s operation and renewal, including the Panchayat’s permission/NOC and other relevant documents.
Their complaint seeks an examination of the provisions applicable to mining operations in a Fifth Schedule area, along with verification of the relevant documents and the permission process.
These allegations can only be confirmed after examination of official records and completion of the appropriate inquiry by the concerned authorities.
Villagers Also Raise 2020 Accident
Villagers have also brought up an earlier incident allegedly involving the same quarry. According to them, an accident occurred at the quarry on June 25, 2020, in which one villager reportedly died and another was seriously injured.
Villagers allege that the deceased person’s family has not yet received compensation. They have demanded a fresh examination of the old case and clarification regarding the status of compensation and other official records.
Who Is Monitoring the Quarry?
On one hand, the Gram Sabha has already passed a resolution seeking closure of the quarry. On the other hand, villagers continue to raise concerns over the alleged dangers associated with blasting, and a large rock has now reportedly landed behind a residential house.
This has raised several questions: Under which permissions and safety standards is the quarry currently operating? Are the concerned departments carrying out regular inspections and monitoring? If complaints had been raised earlier, what action was taken by the authorities?
Villagers Demand High-Level Investigation
The villagers have demanded a comprehensive investigation into the quarry’s operating permission, renewal, blasting procedures, safety standards and Panchayat-related documents.
They have also demanded verification of whether all applicable rules and safety requirements are being followed.
According to the villagers, if any violation of rules is established during the investigation, operation of the quarry should be stopped immediately to ensure the safety of residents and prevent a potentially serious accident in the future.
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