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Rs 2.98 Crore Fine for Illegal Madurai Mining
13 Aug
Summary
- Illegal quarrying in Madurai's Kidaripatti village led to a Rs 2.98 crore penalty.
- Madras High Court heard a PIL seeking action against illegal mining operations.
- Criminal cases were filed, and officials' duties are under review.
Madurai authorities have imposed a Rs 2.98 crore penalty on those engaged in illegal quarrying activities in Kidaripatti village, near Melur. This information was presented to the Madras High Court following a public interest litigation filed by S Mohana Sundaram of Kaveri Neervala Athara Pathukappu Sangam. The litigation sought measures against illegal mining in Kidaripatti and Thiruvathavur villages.
The court noted the seriousness of quarrying occurring in non-leased areas. A status report confirmed that criminal cases have been initiated against the perpetrators in Kidaripatti. For illegal gravel quarrying in Thiruvathavur, decisions will follow personal hearings with ex-lessees and pattadhars.
Consequently, a division bench has directed the commissioner of geology and mining and the Madurai district collector to re-examine the records. The judges emphasized that any officials found to have neglected their duties should face appropriate legal action to uphold departmental discipline, leading to the disposal of the petition.
