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Court Hears Plea to Save Bird Haven from Quarry Blasts
5 Oct
Summary
- Court ordered notice to State on plea to close quarries near bird sanctuary.
- Sanctuary is a Ramsar site hosting over 100,000 migratory birds annually.
- Quarrying operations threaten the fragile, community-sustained ecosystem.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has issued a notice to the State government regarding a public interest litigation. The petition seeks the closure of stone quarry operations adjacent to the Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary in Tirunelveli district.
The Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, designated as an internationally recognized Ramsar site, is crucial for wetland and biodiversity conservation. Annually, it hosts over one lakh migratory birds, including species like Painted Storks and Spot-billed Pelicans, from December to July. This delicate ecosystem, protected by the local community for generations, is now under severe threat from quarrying and blasting activities.
Despite unanimous resolutions passed in special gram sabha meetings in 2025 and 2026 opposing quarry leases, and petitions submitted to the District Collector, the leases were reportedly granted. The petitioner implores the court to halt quarrying and blasting, cancel existing clearances, and permanently shut down these operations to preserve the sanctuary.
