HC seeks report on restoration of abandoned mines
Madras high court
has directed the state to file a detailed report on a plea seeking a direction to the authorities to ensure that a 'green fund' is established and committees are constituted in every district for the reclamation, restoration, and rehabilitation of abandoned mines and quarries.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by R Sathiamoorthy of Madurai district. The petitioner stated that there is a rise in the number of accidents taking place in the abandoned mines and quarries across the state. The authorities have not taken any preventive action while they have the fundamental duty to protect its citizens, he said.
The Tamil Nadu Mines and Mineral Concession Rules, 1959, provide for the constitution of a comittee for reclamation, restoration, and rehabilitation and the creation of a green fund for the maintenance of abandoned mines and quarries, he stated.
An RTI reply reveals that 23 districts have constituted such committees, but only six have convened meetings monthly.
The petitioner also sought to fence all the abandoned mines and quarries and ensure that all prospective licencees of quarry leases contribute to the fund and ensure that every district committee undertakes a detailed study and submits a report for the reclamation, restoration, and rehabilitation of abandoned mines.
During the course of the hearing, the state submitted that the govt issued an order dated April 22, 2025, in this regard. The authorities are in the process of implementing it.
Taking into account the submissions, a division bench of Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice G Arul Murugan directed the state to file a detailed report in this regard. The hearing was adjourned to Aug 21.
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