The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the government in connection with the death of two youths who drowned in a quarry pond near Powdikkonam on Wednesday.
Commission acting-chairperson P. Mohandas has sought explanations from the Chief Secretary and secretaries of the Revenue and the Local Self Government Department in this regard.
The directives were issued on the basis of a complaint submitted by activist P.K. Raju, who alleged that deaths owing to unprotected quarry ponds were on the rise in the State. He claimed that the government had failed to comply with prescribed norms for fencing quarries and erecting sign boards to caution passers-by.
He also said that as many as six persons had drowned in the same pond during the last seven years in the pond at Kalladichavila in Chenkottukonam. Mr. Raju demanded that the government provide compensation to the families of the victims.
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also directed the government to construct fences around unused quarries in the State.
The secretary of the Revenue Department has been instructed to provide necessary directions to Local Self-Government Department secretary and panchayat, municipality, mining and geology department directors. Local self-government institutions, district geologists, and District Collectors must furnish details regarding unused quarries.
