Madurai, March 15: The Tamil Nadu Department of Geology and Mining has received the drone survey report for 11 stone quarries located in Madurai district. The department is now preparing for a detailed ground inspection to determine if quarry operators have violated mining regulations.
The surveyed quarries include seven located in Kallankudi Taluk’s Kallanai village and four in Thirumangalam Taluk’s Ponnamangalam village. This inspection is part of the third phase of a comprehensive drone-based assessment of mining activities across the district.
Out of the 58 quarries in Madurai district, 47 have now been included in the drone survey scope. Following the aerial survey data collection, officials from the Geology and Mining Department will conduct ground surveys to verify the findings. This process will involve mapping geological structures, identifying mineral deposits, and comparing ground observations with drone-acquired data.
Once the verification process is complete, the department will prepare a detailed report and submit it to the revenue department for further action. If the ground inspection reveals violations such as illegal mining, encroachments, or mining beyond permitted limits, the revenue department will issue notices to the respective quarry operators.
Additionally, fines may be imposed in accordance with mining and environmental regulations. The initiative for the drone survey was launched following continuous protests from local farmers and residents, particularly from Kallanai village. They accused quarry operators of large-scale illegal mining activities that were damaging the environment.
Local residents claimed that the quarry operators were violating mining regulations, destroying natural pathways connected to the Kundaru river system, and encroaching on land reserved for historically marginalized communities.
Protests have been ongoing for over 100 days within the village, with demonstrations held outside the district collector’s office demanding action against illegal mining activities. Petitions highlighting these concerns have also been submitted to District Collector K. J. Praveen Kumar.
The first phase of the drone survey already uncovered several violations. In this phase, six stone quarries in Thirumangalam Taluk were inspected, with violations found in five of them.
Fines were imposed on the operators; however, one quarry owner challenged this action in court, while others complied with the fines. The second phase included five additional quarries located in Kachakatti village and the Kondayampatti area, where the National Highways Authority of India is constructing an animal overpass project.
All five quarries were found to be in violation of regulations, resulting in a total fine of 150 million rupees. Legal challenges and appeals related to these fines are currently under consideration.
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