Seven Workers Killed in Huluvenahalli Quarry Collapse as 48 Bengaluru Quarries Shut Down

On Thursday, a fatal boulder collapse at a quarry in Huluvenahalli village, Bengaluru, killed seven workers, prompting the Department of Mines and Geology to temporarily shut down 48 quarries across the district. Local residents alleged that the tragedy was caused by illegal mining and high-intensity blasting inside the mandatory buffer zone, combined with a total lack of safety gear for the labourers.

According to local resident Lakshmi Narayana, guidelines from the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) mandate a buffer zone of at least 7.5 metres (around 25 feet) around the lease boundary, where no mining or blasting activity is permitted. Narayana alleged that two adjoining quarry owners violated this rule by operating within the prohibited area.

Residents also accused the Department of Mines and Geology of negligence, claiming officials failed to properly inspect the site and enforce safety protocols. Another villager stated that quarry operators compromised safety standards due to intense competition to extract more stone. Instead of conducting controlled blasting with smaller explosives, owners allegedly used high-intensity explosions to save time.

Another resident, Ramaiah, alleged that a blast may have occurred in the upper quarry's buffer zone on Wednesday night or earlier, noting that boulders were already broken and explosive wires were found at the scene.

Furthermore, Narayana claimed that the deceased workers were not provided with essential personal protective equipment, such as safety helmets, gloves, and boots. He added that daily wage labourers rarely demanded safety gear out of fear of losing their jobs.

Krishna Veni, Senior Geologist for Bengaluru Urban, confirmed that all 48 quarries operating in the district have been temporarily shut down following the incident. Veni stated that the department plans to hold a meeting with all quarry owners to ensure strict compliance with safety measures. She noted that operators had been instructed to follow safety norms just 15 days prior to the incident, and confirmed that both quarry owners involved possessed valid licences.