Residents and environmental activists have blocked the construction of an approach road allegedly being built for a proposed quarry on the historic Kolagappara near Krishnagiri in Wayanad, alleging encroachment of government revenue land and environmental violations.
The road construction, carried out using earthmovers and jackhammers, was temporarily stopped following the intervention of the village officer.
According to the protesters, the proposed road, stretching over a kilometre, largely passes through government revenue land. They alleged that nearly 600 metres of the road had already been cut by blasting rocks with explosives and that another 500 metres would connect it to the proposed quarry site owned by a private party on the hilltop.
Kolagappara, situated about 5,000 feet above sea level, is a prominent trekking spot and pilgrimage destination where thousands of devotees undertake a Good Friday pilgrimage every year to a hilltop cross.
In a statement, Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samithi (WPSS) alleged that the traditional pilgrimage route was being converted into a motorable road to facilitate quarrying.
