Slurry from quarry pollutes Cherupuzha in Kozhikode

Slurry tank at a granite quarry reportedly burst, discharging waste into the Cherupuzha. Drinking water sources and bathing spots along the riverbank have reportedly become unfit for use.

Updated - September 08, 2026 06:58 pm IST - KOZHIKODE

The contaminated Cherupuzha river at Thottumukkam in Kozhikode after a slurry tank at a granite quarry burst recently. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A slurry tank at a granite quarry and crusher unit at Thottumukkam in Kodiyathur grama panchayat in Kozhikode has reportedly burst, discharging waste into the Cherupuzha river, a major tributary of the Chaliyar river.

The waste discharge has severely polluted the water, altering its colour and rendering local drinking water sources and bathing spots unusable for nearby residents.

According to locals, the tank burst a couple of days ago, and the slurry, containing large quantities of rock dust, has been flowing into the Cherupuzha, contaminating the river. Water from drinking water schemes that draw from the river has also reportedly become unfit for use.

Several drinking water sources and bathing spots used by residents are located along both banks of the river. The slurry contamination has rendered these sources unusable, they said.

Residents said the slurry entered the river from a granite crusher operating near the upper reaches of the Cherupuzha. The contamination of a major local water source has triggered strong protests in the area.

People have demanded the immediate intervention of the authorities and strict action against those responsible for the discharge. They also pointed out that the Cherupuzha had faced similar pollution incidents in the past due to waste flowing from granite quarries.

When contacted, Kodiyathur panchayat authorities said the issue had come to their notice and that they had raised it with the quarry management, asking for necessary steps to prevent slurry from flowing into the river. “We will conduct an inspection of the area on Wednesday (September 9), and further action will be taken after that,” said an official.

Published - September 08, 2026 06:57 pm IST

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