The Madras High Court has taken a significant step regarding environmental safety in Tirunelveli district. A division bench has formally requested a response from district administration officials. This action comes in response to a public interest litigation that demands proper use of the green fund.
Court Demands Answers on Environmental Funds
Justices G Jayachandran and K K Ramakrishnan heard the petition filed by S P Muthuraman, a resident of Tirunelveli district. The bench specifically asked authorities to explain their position on the matter. The plea seeks clear directions for utilizing available environmental resources.
Dangerous Conditions in Abandoned Quarries
Muthuraman highlighted serious safety concerns in his petition. He described numerous deep pits left behind at stone quarry sites throughout the district. These excavations resulted from extensive quarrying activities over many years.
When mining leases expired, companies simply abandoned these sites. They left behind massive, unfilled pits that create hazardous conditions. During monsoon seasons, rainwater collects in these deep cavities, forming dangerous water bodies.
These water-filled pits remain easily accessible to local communities and animals. This accessibility creates constant safety threats for people and wildlife in the area. The petitioner emphasized that these conditions violate established environmental protections.
Existing Rules Ignored
The petition references specific regulations that should prevent such situations. Tamil Nadu Mines and Mineral Concession Rules from 1959 clearly mandate the creation of a green fund for every district. This fund has a designated purpose: reclamation, restoration and rehabilitation of abandoned mines and quarries.
Authorities established a separate committee to oversee this process. They also developed clear guidelines for maintaining abandoned quarry sites. These rules exist specifically to address the exact problems now facing Tirunelveli district.
Despite these regulations, implementation has completely failed in this region. No committee meetings have taken place in Tirunelveli district. The green fund remains untouched and unused for its intended purpose. This neglect has allowed dangerous conditions to persist unchecked.
The court's intervention now puts pressure on district officials to address these failures. They must explain why environmental protection rules have not been enforced. The response they provide could determine whether these hazardous sites finally receive proper attention and restoration.
