Respond on proposed mining in Mettur, HC directs Collector

Though the petitioner had sought to forbear the Collector from issuing license for mining in Kannamoochi village in Mettur, the division bench comprising Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad said it was not inclined to issue any mandamus after the Additional Government Pleader said it was under consideration.

“However, we deem it fit to direct the district Collector, Salem, to answer the representation of the petitioner dated June 20, 2017, within two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order,” the bench said.

Basing his arguments on the instructions given by the Deputy Director (In-charge), Department of Geology and Mining, Salem, Additional Government Pleader E Manoharan submitted that only demarcation of the area has been done so far. Auction has been conducted for leasing the land. As per the procedure, highest bidder must submit an approved mining plan and environmental clearance.

He further added that before issuing environmental clearance, State/District Appraisal Committee members and State/District Environment Impact Authority members must consider all the environmental impacts likely to be caused due to the proposed quarrying.

However, he also submitted that the representation of the petitioner seeking to stall mining activity in the area citing environmental degradation was yet to be answered.