The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has summoned the Pudukkottai Collector to appear before the court in connection with stone quarrying operations being carried out in violation of rules in the district.
Justice R. Subramaniam and Justice L. A division bench of Victoria Gowri, in Pudukkottai district, Tirumayam’s A. Summoned the Collector on a PIL petition filed by Ramasamy. The court adjourned the hearing of the case till April 20.
The petitioner, a resident of V. Lakshmipuram village, submitted that the people of the village are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. The nearby tank was an important water source. Residents have been complaining about stone quarrying operations in the area and opposed its functioning. He said explosives have been used to blast the stones and this harms the environment.
Earlier, all the conditions were violated and excavation took place in excess of the permitted depth. The work of the stone quarry was stopped after public protest. However, mining operations were again permitted in the area. It was located close to water bodies and agricultural land. He said that Rule 36 of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959 strictly prohibited quarrying operations near water bodies and settlements.
If stone quarrying operations are allowed again, houses will be damaged. A memorandum was given against the mine operation. However, this was not considered by the authorities. Hence the petition was filed. The petitioner said that it is necessary to save natural resources.