While the government is seeking world heritage status for Edakkal Caves on the Ambukuthi hills in Wayanad district, illegal construction of resorts, by bulldozing hillocks nearby, are posing a serious threat to the rock engravings.
A few years ago, the government had banned all types of construction on the premises of the caves to conserve the Neolithic engravings. But, construction of resorts and illegal quarrying using explosives have been going on without restraint, says P.K. Achuthan, convenor, Ambukuthi Hill Conservation Committee. The activities are posing a serious threat to the rock shelters and hundreds of families residing on the hill slopes at Kuppakolly, Edakkal, Andikkavala, Vellachattam, Pattiyambam, and Govinda Moola, Mr. Achuthan says.
“Private entrepreneurs purchased land on the hill after it became a major tourism spot. They are building resorts in blatant violation of a ban imposed on construction,” he adds. Granite quarrying was prohibited in the area decades ago to conserve the monument. But the activity is still rampant on private land. Many incidences of landslips and mud slides occurred in the ecologically fragile area last month owing to unscientific constructions and mining activities.
10,000-litre water tank
“Huge water tanks, with a capacity of more than 10,00 litres, are being erected on the hill for resorts. They pose a serious threat to the residents,” Mr. Achuthan says.
The organisation will launch a series of agitations, if the authorities do not stop the illegal construction, he warns.
