Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining: 10 Landowners in Perur Face Penalties

Ten landowners in the Perur block are set to be penalised for illegal sand and gravel mining, District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar said on Friday. The revenue department is currently processing fines under Section 36(A) of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959.

The crackdown follows a district-wide operation to curb rampant mining and transportation of sand, particularly to Kerala. “We have formed nine teams to monitor illegal mining activities and round-the-clock vehicle checks at district borders,” the collector said. Between February and April, 39 vehicles were seized and 29 FIRs were filed in connection with illegal sand mining.

The action is being taken in line with Madras High Court directives in case numbers 27356/2019 and 28266/2022. A special team under the Commissioner of Geology and Mining is leading the enforcement. Offending sites are located in Alanthurai, Vellimalaipattinam, Devarayapuram, Ikkarai Boluvampatti, Madhampatti, Thenkarai, Pooluvapatti, and Thondamuthur village.

Drone surveys have been used to assess the extent of mining on these lands. Based on these surveys, fines are being issued by the respective Revenue Divisional Officer. However, officials are now reinspecting several sites following objections raised by landowners who received fine notices.

Complaints about illegal mining are also being received through a toll-free number 1800-23333-995, and prompt action is being taken, the collector added.

As per Government Order 135, dated November 13, 2009, revenue, police, and mining officials are required to regularly meet under the district collector’s supervision to review progress on enforcement measures and fine collection.

The administration is continuing to tighten its grip on illicit mining operations, with both enforcement and technological tools being used to track violators and protect natural resources.