Chennai, May 22: The Minister of Natural Resources in Tamil Nadu, Dr. T.K. Prabhu, has ordered inspections of mines across the state. Over 2,000 stone quarries have been granted operational permits by the Department of Geology and Mining in Tamil Nadu.
Numerous complaints have been received alleging that many of these quarries are extracting stones beyond the government-approved limits. Additionally, the Central Government’s State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has established various criteria regarding the quantity of stones that can be extracted from the mines. Allegations have also surfaced that these standards are being violated at several locations. Furthermore, there have been complaints that monitoring teams, known as the Safety Mining Authority, are not adequately supervising quarry operations.
In light of this situation, the minister has instructed officials from the Department of Geology and Mining in all districts to inspect every quarry and submit an immediate report on whether stone extraction is in accordance with government permits and if it exceeds the approved limits.
Moreover, following complaints about several quarries operating illegally without government authorization, the minister has directed officials to gather detailed information to determine if these quarries are complying with mining regulations or operating unlawfully.
Based on the inspection findings, immediate action will be taken to shut down quarries that are extracting stones beyond the permitted limits in violation of government regulations. The minister also stated that those responsible for the losses incurred by the government will face fines.
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