Fence abandoned quarries in 3 months, Madras HC tells 14 district collectors

Madurai: Madras high court has directed the collectors of 14 southern and central districts to immediately fence abandoned quarries to prevent loss of human and animal lives.A division bench of Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice M Jothiraman said the exercise should be carried out using available Green Funds and completed within three months. The court said the expenses could later be recovered from leaseholders in accordance with the law. The judges also directed the collectors to file reports on the amount collected from leaseholders as a seigniorage fee towards the Green Fund and furnish details of abandoned quarries in their districts. The matter was adjourned for three months. The directions came while hearing a public interest litigation filed in 2024 by R Sathiamoorthy of Madurai district. The petitioner submitted that accidents involving abandoned mines and quarries were on the rise across the state and alleged that authorities had failed to take preventive measures despite repeated incidents. He pointed out that the Tamil Nadu Mines and Mineral Concession Rules, 1959, provide for the constitution of reclamation, restoration and rehabilitation committees and creation of a Green Fund for maintenance of abandoned mines and quarries. Citing an RTI reply, the petitioner said committees had been formed in 23 districts, but only six districts had conducted monthly meetings, while 17 districts had failed to do so. He sought directions to ensure the constitution of committees, establishment of the Green Fund, fencing of abandoned quarries and preparation of detailed reclamation and rehabilitation plans for abandoned mining sites. MSID:: 130718430 413 |