Ankola: Locals at Shirur village, in Ankola taluk, have complained that several houses have been damaged due to stone crushing using explosives by a private firm for NH expansion work.

Earlier too, during crushing of rocks, explosives were used and created several problems to them. People fear venturing out fearing stone fall. Police were informed but no action has been taken, they alleged.

The police summoned firm ‘srepresentatives and advised them to use low-intensity explosives and inform people time of explosion so that police can take precautionary measures.

The villagers said that more than a dozen houses were damaged while crushing the stones. The roof tiles of the house are broken and stones are entering houses. Huge cracks have appeared on the walls of the house. A stone which came flying inside the house has damaged a television set and also a refrigerator, said the people. They have demanded compensation from the private firm.