Madurai, March 15 (IANS). Tamil Nadu Geology and Mining Department has received the reports of drone survey of 11 stone quarries located in Madurai district and now the department is preparing to conduct detailed inspection at the ground level to find out whether the mine operators have violated mining rules.
The mines surveyed include seven located in Kallanai village of Kallikkudi taluk and four located in Ponnamangalam village of Thirumangalam taluk. These inspections are part of the third phase of a comprehensive drone-based assessment of mining activities across the district.
A total of 47 mines out of 58 mines in Madurai district have so far been brought under the ambit of drone survey.
After receiving the aerial survey data, officials from the Geology and Mining Department will conduct ground surveys to confirm the findings. The process will involve mapping geological structures, identifying mineral deposits and comparing ground observations with data obtained by drones.
Once the verification process is completed, the department will prepare a detailed report and hand it over to the revenue department for further action. If violations like illegal mining, encroachment or mining beyond the permitted mining limit are found during on-site inspection, the Revenue Department will issue notices to the concerned mine operators.
Along with this, fine can also be imposed as per mining and environment rules. The drone survey initiative was launched after continuous protests by farmers and residents of the district, especially Kallanai village. Villagers and security personnel deployed in the area had alleged large-scale illegal mining operations, which were causing damage to the environment.
Local residents claimed that mining operators were violating mining rules and destroying natural pathways connected to the Kundru river system and encroaching on lands reserved for historically marginalized communities.
Local residents protested for more than 100 days inside the village and later demonstrated outside the District Collector office demanding action against illegal mining activities. The petitions highlighting these concerns were sent to District Collector K. J. Also handed over to Praveen Kumar.
Many violations were revealed in the first phase of the drone survey itself. In the first phase, six stone quarries were inspected in Thirumangalam taluk, out of which violations of mining rules were found in five.
The operators were fined, although one mine owner challenged the action in court, while others paid the fine.
In the second phase, drone surveys covered five additional mines located in Kachakatti village of Vadipatti taluk and Kondayampatti area, where a cattle overpass project is being constructed by the National Highway Authority of India.
All five mines were found violating rules, resulting in a total fine of Rs 15 crore. Legal challenges and appeals related to these fines are currently pending.
–IANS
SAK/AS
