Tamil Nadu Quarries: Greying Land, Dying Crops

Villages in Tamil Nadu's Uthiramerur taluk are rapidly deteriorating due to extensive granite quarrying and M-sand production. The landscape, once green, is now covered in a grey dust from quarry operations, affecting trees, crops, and roads in over 60 villages. Farmers report severe impacts on irrigation channels, leading to contaminated water and drastically reduced agricultural output.

The pervasive dust from quarrying has created a public health crisis, with documented cases of asthma and silicosis among workers and residents. Studies indicate significant lung function impairment among quarry workers. Despite stringent Central Pollution Control Board guidelines for dust control, many units allegedly fail to comply, leading to widespread pollution.

Regulatory bodies are under pressure to enforce stricter environmental standards. The National Green Tribunal has directed improved enforcement for operating licenses, emphasizing measures like water sprinkling and greenbelt development. However, the lack of a comprehensive groundwater management law and the continued demand for construction materials like M-sand exacerbate the environmental challenges.