
Silica mining proposed inside eco-sensitive zone of Ramsar-recognised Kazhuveli bird sanctuary
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited (TAMIN) has proposed a new silica sand mine within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Kazhuveli Wetland Bird Sanctuary in Villupuram, one of the biodiversity-rich Ramsar wetland sites.
An application seeking clearance from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) was submitted in March this year and is currently under process.
In 2021, the State government declared 5,151 hectares of swamp/wetlands in Villupuram district as the Kazhuveli Wetland Birds Sanctuary.
The Kazhuveli wetland system is one of the largest waterfowl congregation sites in Tamil Nadu and is a well-known raptor roosting site for species such as the Eastern Imperial Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Red-necked Falcon and several harriers. The Grey-tailed Tattler, a rare migratory wader, has been recorded only here and in Pulicat across the country.
The Kazhuveli sanctuary is connected with the Yedayanthittu estuary and Uppukali creek, an Important Bird Area (IBA) identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the National Wetland Conservation and Management Programme.
Despite its ecological significance, Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited has sought to establish an opencast semi-mechanised silica sand mine only 480 metres from the sanctuary boundary, which falls within the ESZ, the designated area around protected sites that acts as a buffer.
Curiously, the Tamil Nadu State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) granted environmental clearance in 2023, and subsequently, the State government leased 3.73 hectares of land for a period of 10 years, according to documents available with The New Indian Express.
Ironically, around the same period, the Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary received the coveted Ramsar recognition.
Environmentalist and bird expert M Yuvan told TNIE, 'The environmental impact of open-pit silica mining is large amounts of silica dust turning into suspended particulate matter.
The mine is proposed within the ESZ of Kaliveli Bird Sanctuary, where tens of thousands of birds will be put at risk of silicosis and disorientation due to pollution.
Post-mining, large amounts of water will be used for washing silica sand, which will create stress on the existing aquifers and wetlands, deteriorating the habitat's quality, along with creating surface runoff which will both contaminate and choke the wetlands in and around the bird sanctuary.'
Official documents reveal that in the first five years, a total of 39,986 tonnes of silica sand will be mined. Officials from Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited claim that the mining activity is proposed to be carried out without any blasting or drilling. It is an opencast semi-mechanised mine and there will be negligible disturbance to the flora and fauna.
When contacted, a senior official from the Environment, Forests and Climate Change Department told TNIE, 'The proposal was not yet appraised by the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL). We will critically evaluate the proposal when it comes before the SBWL and reject it if found adverse to the Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary.' The SBWL recommendation is a prerequisite for obtaining clearance from the NBWL.
Timeline:
March 16, 2017: TAMIN files application for silica sand quarry lease.
June 12, 2021: Industries Department gives approval.
July 7, 2021: Directorate of Geology and Mines approves the mining plan of TAMIN.
December 6, 2021: Government declares Kazhuveli wetland as bird sanctuary. The proposed mine is under half a kilometre from the sanctuary boundary.
August 21, 2023: State Environment Impact Assessment Authority grants environmental clearance for silica sand mine.
March 25, 2024: State government grants lease to TAMIN for mining silica sand mineral over an extent of 3.73 ha of government poramboke land in Vadaagram village in Marakkanam for a period of 10 years under Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959. The lease period is valid up to March 2034.
March 19, 2025: TAMIN files application on Parivesh seeking clearance from National Board for Wildlife.
Quantum of silica sand proposed to be mined in first five years.
Year Recovery (Tonnes)
1 8,326
2 8,514
3 8,748
4 9,363
5 5,035
Total 39,986
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News18
18 hours ago
- News18
Numerology, June 10, 2025: Number 1, 5, 9 And More — What's In Store For You
Written By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: Numerology, June 10, 2025: Number 1's work stress, 5's money luck, and 9's gains. Find out what the day holds for all numbers with expert tips from astrologer Chirag Daruwalla. Numerology, June 10, 2025: Numerology has been given special importance in astrology. The number formed based on a person's date of birth can tell a lot about that person's personality. At the same time, some numbers are considered very lucky in numerology. Let's know about them. The professional life of number 1 is a bit worrying. There may be a serious quarrel between the partner of number 2. Number 3 will have a feeling of dissatisfaction throughout the day. Number 4 people keep entertaining the people around them with their sharp intelligence. Number 5 people have a strong chance of an increase in income. Number 6 people may suffer losses in business. Number 7 people should be extra careful, because someone in the office can work secretly to defame you. Number 8 people should get involved wholeheartedly in charity work. The number 9 people will have an increase in income. Number 1 (People born on 1, 10, 19 and 28 of any month) Ganesha says the day is full of adventure and excitement. A desire to possess the luxuries of life, here and now, prevails throughout the day. There is a possibility of litigation surfacing at this time. Your professional life is a bit worrisome at this time. Your romance quotient is discouraging. Do something exciting in the evening. Your lucky number is 17 and your lucky colour is Grey. Number 2 (People born on 2, 11, 20 or 29 of any month) Number 3 (People born on 3, 12, 21, 30 of any month) Ganesha says a misunderstanding occurring now will lead nowhere and take time to sort out. A general feeling of dissatisfaction lingers throughout the day. You find yourself hampered by delays and disappointments on the work front. You and your partner have a serious quarrel that could get blown out of proportion if you are not careful. Your lucky number is 18, and your lucky colour is Brown. Number 4 (People born on 4, 13, 22 or 31 of any month) Ganesha says you may not see eye to eye with a person in a position of power. You are cheerful and keep those around you entertained with your quick wit. Your rivals are active, but you can use tact and diplomacy to defuse them. A sudden windfall helps to offset the deficit in your accounts. The relationship with your partner is under strain; be patient. Your lucky number is 1 and your lucky colour is Red. Number 5 (People born on 5, 14, 23 of any month) Ganesha says you are on your own, as friends and close relatives refuse to come to your aid. You struggle to keep your temper in check today. Your physical and mental energies are peaking, giving you that all-powerful feeling. Increased expenses at home don`t worry you, as there are strong prospects of increased income. The prospects for romance are bright. Your lucky number is 5 and your lucky colour is Blue. Number 6 (People born on 6, 15 or 24 of any month) Ganesha says a fallout with colleagues at work is indicated. You look forward to eating out today. Your charm and good health are at an all-time high today. You are feeling a bit down and out, and this causes your business to suffer. You seem to be in the mood for some harmless flirting; do not let the frivolity get out of control. Your lucky number is 3 and your lucky colour is Yellow. Number 7 (People born on 7, 16, and 25 of any month) Ganesha says a difference of opinion with a senior colleague may arise; play it cool and try to talk things through. You are cheerful and keep those around you entertained with your quick wit. You seem to be coming down with the flu. Be extra careful, as someone at the office is working under cover to malign you. Someone special does something extra nice for you. Your lucky number is 8 and your lucky colour is White. Number 8 (People born on 8, 17 and 26 of any month) Ganesha says you should involve yourself wholeheartedly in charity activities. You feel people are conspiring against you; persevere. Be cautious while accepting offers of help, as the possibility of deceit is high today. Expenses are high, and you are forced to arrange for money from various sources to combat problems. Enjoy an intimate evening with your partner. Your lucky number is 6 and your lucky colour is Brown. Number 9 (People born on 9, 18 and 27 of any month) Ganesha says you share a strained relationship with your family at this time. Unexpected discord leaves you wondering what is happening and why. Get a medical check-up right away. This may be something you`ve been putting off for a while. Your income rises, but so do your expectations; take it easy. There is trouble with your partner; stop the power play if you want to be happy. Your lucky number is 2 and your lucky colour is White. (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, More First Published: News astrology Numerology, June 10, 2025: Number 1, 5, 9 And More — What's In Store For You


Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
‘Protecting Nature Is Not Optional, It's Urgent'
1 2 3 Nagpur: Development without ecology is not development it is devastation in disguise, remarked, environmentalist and member of the State Board for Wildlife Shrikant Tekade while addressing a World Environment Day programme organised by RTO Nagpur in collaboration with the Institute of Environment, Ecology, Health & Management (IEEHM). Speaking on this year's theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution and Deforestation', Tekade painted a grim picture of plastic misuse and its growing impact on both urban and forest ecosystems. He pointed out that Nagpur generates over 1,100 tonnes of municipal waste daily, of which nearly 90 tonnes is plastic, much of it non-recyclable. He cited disturbing examples of plastic being found in the stomachs of cows and wildlife deaths due to plastic ingestion. "We have turned our cities into plastic jungles," he said, urging people to change their habits before nature reaches a point of no return. He also warned against burning plastic, which emits harmful toxins linked to cancer and respiratory diseases. On air pollution, Tekade shared a sobering statistic over 12 lakh deaths occur annually in India due to air pollution. He also stressed the importance of trees, calling them 'silent soldiers' that provide oxygen and preserve ecological balance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Retraités : si votre mutuelle vous coute + de 69€/mois, essayez ceci maintenant ! Meilleures Mutuelles En savoir plus Undo Regional Transport Officer Kiran Bidkar emphasised that environmental protection is a key part of transport governance. "The RTO is not just about registrations and licences it's about ensuring public health and safety," he said. He encouraged citizens to adopt electric vehicles and treat environmental rules as responsibilities, not just formalities. The programmee concluded with a tree plantation drive and pledge from all present to carry the spirit of World Environment Day into their daily lives, not just for a day, but for the future of the planet. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !


India Gazette
03-06-2025
- India Gazette
Chris Gayle's viral look: Turban for PBKS, jersey for RCB ahead of IPL 2025 final
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 3 (ANI): West Indies cricket icon Chris Gayle has extended his support to both Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) -- his former Indian Premier League (IPL) teams -- ahead of their much-anticipated IPL 2025 clash at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. In an Instagram post, Gayle was seen sporting a turban, symbolising his support for PBKS, and wearing an RCB jersey and customised shoes displaying the Red and Gold colours of RCB. 'Let The Game Begin! RCB v PBKS #OneIndia #IPL #Finals #2025,' posted Gayle on Instagram. Gayle has represented both RCB and PBKS in his illustrious IPL career. For RCB from 2011-17, Gayle scored 3,163 runs in 85 matches and 84 innings at an average of 43.33, with a strike rate of 152.73. He scored five centuries and 19 fifties, with the best score of 175*. In 41 matches and innings for PBKS for 2018-21, he scored 1,339 runs at an average of 36.19, with a strike rate of over 143.21. He scored a century and 10 fifties for RCB, with the best score of 104*. RCB have qualified for the Indian Premier League final thrice in the past, losing all three times ( 2009, 2011 and 2016). PBKS, on the other hand, qualified for the final once in 2014 when they were known as Kings XI Punjab and lost the match to Kolkata Knight Riders. SquadsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Blessing Muzarabani, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Praveen Dubey, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Yash Thakur, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, Mitchell Owen, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash. (ANI)