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NGO Exposes Rampant Illegal Stone Quarrying in TN
18 Aug
Summary
- Illegal mining threatens safety and health in five southern districts.
- Uncontrolled quarrying depletes groundwater, harming farming and cattle.
- Explosions damage homes, dust pollutes lands and water bodies.
A voluntary organization, Arappor Iyakkam, is calling for decisive government action against illegal stone quarrying in five southern districts of Tamil Nadu. Following complaints from villagers, the NGO conducted a survey of 29 quarries across Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari, and Virudhunagar districts.
The survey found that uncontrolled mining operations and massive explosions are causing significant damage. These activities pose serious risks to the safety and health of nearby residents, with vibrations damaging homes up to a kilometer away. The pervasive dust generated pollutes the environment, affecting farmlands, grazing areas, and water sources.
Furthermore, the excessive quarrying beyond permissible depths is severely depleting groundwater tables. This leads to crop failures and water shortages for livestock, devastating local livelihoods. Heavy trucks transporting stones also contribute to road damage. The organization has presented a comprehensive 140-page report to the Tamil Nadu government, advocating for accountability and transparency in curbing illegal mining.
