Madras HC directs Trichy, Karur collectors to submit reports on illegal sand mining in Cauvery

MADURAI: The Madurai bench of the Madras high court on Friday directed the district collectors of Trichy and Karur to inspect the alleged illegal sand mining activities on the Cauvery river bed and submit reports.
The division bench of justices S Manikumar and G Chockalingam gave this direction on a public interest litigation filed by C Sivakumar of Erode.
The petitioner alleged illegal sand mining operations were taking place in nine places -- eight places in Karur district and one in Trichy – with the knowledge of authorities.
He said five and a half lakh units of sand had been mined since February this year. As many as 2,000 units of sand was mined per day. However, only 50 units were properly billed, he said.
In Trichy’s Kondayampattai site, sand is transported on 5,000 lorries, he said.
He said false cases were charged on people who questioned the illegal activities.
Hence, the petitioner wanted the court’s intervention to stop the alleged illegal quarry operation.
The court adjourned the matter to July last week.