HC seeks report on quarrying operations in Kalligudi

The Madurai Bench of the Madras high court on Friday sought response from the State to a public interest litigation petition that sought a direction to the authorities to restrain quarrying operations in villages situated in Kalligudi in Madurai district.

A Division Bench of Justices G. Jayachandran and K. K. Ramakrishnan directed the State to file a report with details regarding the licence granted for the quarrying operations, period of licence and the permissible extent of quarrying in the villages.

The court was hearing a petition filed by G. Abel Moorthy and U. Chellapandi of Madurai district. The petitioners said the residents were dependent on agricultural activities for their livelihood.

They complained about illegal stone quarrying operations in villages such as Achankulam, Kallanai, Ulagani, Kurayar and Thirumal in Kalligudi in Madurai district. They said the farmers of the region were facing difficulties due to dust and air and noise pollution due to the quarrying activities. The crops were damaged, they added.

The petitioners said explosives were being used in the quarries to blast the rocks and this posed a threat to the farmers. Also, the quarrying operations were being carried out close to waterbodies. Heavy vehicles were being used to transport the minerals and the water channels which were being used as a pathway were getting destroyed, they said.

Indiscriminate quarrying was being done beyond the permissible limit. Due to the quarrying operations the residents of the villages were facing health issues. Though a representation was made to the authorities it was yet to be considered, they said.

The petitioners sought a direction to the authorities concerned to restrain the quarrying operations in these villages.