PWD barred from using machines to lift sand in B2 mines

A division bench comprising Justice Rajiv Shakdher and Justice R Suresh, while restraining the use of machines in the nine mines also made it clear that, if there are other mines, falling in category B2 (mine lease areas between five and 25 hectare), which the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIA) has indicated in its environmental clearances documents that they ought to be worked upon by using only manual means, the PWD shall adhere to the said directive. It will be till such time an amendment is made in that behalf to allow for employing mechanised means. 

The nine mines where use of machines have been curtailed are Unniyur, Manamedu, Sullangudi, Kariyamanickam West, Kiliyanallur, Thiruvasi, Nanjaithottakurichi, Kamatchipettai and Azhankathan. 

The bench was passing interim orders on a batch of PILs including one from P Ettikan of Karur, seeking to initiate prosecution against the PWD officials, who had granted permission without necessary environmental clearances. The pleas had also sought to stop quarrying sand from any of the rivers in the state.