Chennai | November 30, 2016:

The Madras High Court has directed the Revenue Divisional Officer of Villupuram district, to inspect the alleged illegal sand mining activities in Thenpennai river in the district and submit a report.

Passing the orders on a PIL by Villupuram Thenpennai Aru Paadhukappu Nala Sangam yesterday, the First Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan impleaded the RDO in the case and directed him to inspect the site and file a report within two weeks.

It also issued notice to the Special Government Pleader appearing for Villupuram District Collector and the Assistant Engineer/ Executive Engineer, Water Resources Department, Irrigation Division-I of Public Works Department, TN Rajagopalan, in this connection.

The bench said, "Let the RDO inspect the site and submit a report to this Court with plans and photographs within two weeks from the date of receipt of the copy of this order."

The petitioner alleged that one Muthu, running a sand yard near Kapur village in the district, was illegal quarrying sand from Thenpennai river using more than seven poclain machines, which has affected the livelihood of farmers and cultivation in the surrounding areas.

He further submitted that Muthu had even laid a road in the river bed for transportation of sand in lorries.

Repeated representations made to the authorities on the issue have failed to evoke any response, he said.

The petitioner prayed for a direction to authorities including the Collector of Villupuram to prevent illegal sand mining activities in Thenpennai river.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/)