Madras High Court Demands Clarification from Karur Collector Over Inconsistent Sand Mining Reports
The Madras High Court has issued a directive to the Karur District Collector, requiring a detailed explanation regarding significant contradictions found in official reports concerning actions taken to curb illegal sand mining activities in the Amaravathi river within the district. This development underscores the judiciary's heightened scrutiny over environmental enforcement and administrative accountability.
Judicial Bench Issues Stern Warning Over Reckless Reporting
A division bench comprising Justice G R Swaminathan and Justice B Pugalendhi presided over the hearing, delivering a clear warning that a serious view would be taken if it was determined that the reports submitted to the court were filed recklessly. The bench emphasized the importance of accuracy and diligence in official documentation, particularly in matters of public interest and environmental protection.
Background of the Suo Motu Proceedings
The court was engaged in hearing suo motu proceedings that were initiated in 2025 with the primary objective of preventing illegal sand mining in the Amaravathi river. The petition, filed by the Registrar (Judicial) of the Madurai Bench, sought comprehensive directions to the concerned authorities to take immediate and effective measures to prevent encroachments on the Amaravathi riverbed.
Specifically, the petition called for:
- Initiation of action to prevent illegal mining and quarrying of minor minerals in the river.
- Penal action against those involved in the illegal mining and transportation of sand and other minerals that had already occurred.
- Appropriate disciplinary measures against district-level officers for their failure to prevent illegal mining activities and the consequent destruction of the riverbed.
Contradictions in the Collector's Reports
In the initial report filed on January 21, the Karur District Collector provided data indicating that during the periods of 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 up to December 2025, authorities had seized 191 vehicles and 31 bullock carts used for the illicit transportation of river sand and other minerals. Additionally, the report stated that 148 criminal cases had been registered in connection with these activities.
However, a subsequent action taken report submitted on Thursday presented conflicting figures, with the collector now reporting the seizure of 130 vehicles and the registration of 91 cases. This discrepancy has raised serious questions about the reliability and consistency of the data being presented to the court, prompting the judicial intervention.
Adjournment and Future Proceedings
The hearing in this significant case has been adjourned to February 12, allowing time for the Karur District Collector to prepare and submit the required explanation. The outcome of this proceeding is anticipated to have broader implications for environmental governance and the enforcement of anti-mining regulations in the region.
