Madras High Court Summons Officials Over Rampant Illegal Sand Mining in Coimbatore

The Madras High Court has summoned the Commissioner of Geology and Mining and the Coimbatore Superintendent of Police to explain large-scale illegal soil mining near reserve forest areas in Coimbatore. They are to appear on December 6, along with responses to a 164-page inspection report submitted by district judge G. Narayanan.

The court, led by Justices N. Sathish Kumar and D. Bharatha Chakravarthy, took serious note of an assault on activist M. Siva, who exposed the mining violations and accompanied the judge during inspections. The Bench directed proper medical treatment for Siva and sought a police investigation report on the attack.

The orders follow a judicial inspection of 15 brick kilns and private lands near reserve forests in Anaikatti, Karadimadai, and other villages. The inspection revealed ongoing illegal activities despite claims that the kilns had been sealed six months ago. Wet sand and bricks were found in several locations, highlighting continuous operations.

District Judge Narayanan’s report pointed to severe environmental degradation, including deep trenches from rampant mining within 500 meters of reserve forest boundaries. The report warned of potential landslides during heavy rains due to the loss of firm ground support and expressed concern over threats to wildlife habitats.

Advocates Chevanan Mohan and M. Santhanaraman, appointed as amici curiae, have been asked to submit suggestions based on the judge’s findings. The case underscores the urgent need to curb illegal mining to prevent environmental and ecological disasters.