The Madras High Court today directed the Vellore District Collector to take stern action in a case of illegal quarrying and initiate appropriate disciplinary proceedings against erring officials.
A petitioner S Ethirajammal of Vellore alleged that one K Mani, who was granted license for quarrying earth in Ganapatipuram Village, Arakkonam Taluk, Vellore district, contravened the terms of the license and carried out excessive quarrying.
Disposing of the PIL, the First Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, said the illegal activity had been "carried under the very nose of" the authorities." This had resulted in "immense damage" to the water resources, fertile land and environment.
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The license was granted for removal of 4667 lorry loads from the Palar river bed near Arakkonam.
When a complaint was received from the public on excess quarrying of sand, an inspection was made by an Assistant Geologist. His report stated that Mani removed more than the permitted quantity and recommended cancellation of permission and levy of penalty for excess quantity of 9206 units of earth removed unauthorisedly and to forfeit the security deposit.
On the basis of the report, the District Collector cancelled the permit on April 17.
Not satisfied with the cancellation of permit and forfeiture of security deposit, the bench in its order said "not only that the fact that such mining was going on under the very nose of the concerned authorities at site shows that there was either negligence or collusion."
"Hence the matter cannot rest at mere cancellation and forfeiture of security deposit but also recovery of appropriate penalty for the damage caused at site, which would have to be re-compensated for the benefit of villagers."
The bench directed the Collector to initiate "appropriate disciplinary proceedings against erring officials."
The bench directed that the exercise be carried out within two months from today and a compliance report be filed on July 9.
