Environmental, social and health impacts of stone quarrying in Mitrapur panchayat of Balasore district, Odisha

Excessive demand for stones due to rapid infrastructure development led to uncontrolled stone quarrying in Mitrapur panchayat of Balasore district causing serious environmental degradation and socio-economic conflict. A large numbers of tribal people of this area are dependent on stone quarrying activities for carrying their livelihood. Methodology include field observation, photo documentation and interview of local people through a predesigned structured questionnaire to know the local people perception about the impacts of quarrying. This current study was conducted through collection of data from local people of five villages namely, Chatrikhunta, Chandipur, Patana, Kathagochhi and Jamudiha of Mitrapur panchayat of Balasore. Majority tribal people of study area (53%) depends upon quarrying activity for their livelihood. Many local people complained about various negative effects of stone quarrying activities. A vast majority of respondent stated that they suffered severely from the noise pollution caused from the stone quarry related activities (83%). Major source of noise pollution were stone crushers (54%), transport of material by truck/dumper/ tractor (24%) and use of dynamite in blasting operation in quarry (22%). About 40% respondent complained about the impact of dust pollution on agriculture. The availability of water resources in the study area varied from site to site. Many health impacts like bodily pain, eye infection, sleepless nights, headache, cough and chest pain have been reported due to engagement in stone quarrying. In spite of its contribution towards development, quarrying is also responsible for several negative environmental and socio-economic impacts, particularly when quarrying activity is carried out haphazardly.