Arappor Iyakkam coordinator Jayaram Venkatesan on Sunday alleged that the issue of illegal quarrying in Tirunelveli district was linked to direct political interference, with politicians exerting pressure on authorities to reopen quarries.
Addressing journalists in Tirunelveli before a ruckus broke out at a public hearing conducted by his organisation, Mr. Venkatesan said following the Adaimithippankulam quarry accident in 2022, a government report revealed that nearly 50 lakh cubic metres of stone had been illegally quarried in Radhapuram area.
Based on the report, a fine amount of ₹262 crore was imposed and several quarries were shut down. Later, the penalty was reduced to ₹16 crore and the quarries were reopened. “However in the past few years, reports have surfaced that many of these quarries are still operating illegally. People have shared their experience and the problems they face because of quarrying. All the details will be documented and submitted to the government with a demand for immediate action,” he said.
According to the government’s 2022 report, of the 54 quarries, 53 in Tirunelveli district were found to have mined illegally. “The then Collector V. Vishnu even submitted this information as evidence before the court. This clearly shows all quarries are extracting minerals beyond the permissible limit. However, by 2024, permission was granted to operate more than 120 quarries in the district,” he further said.
“In one case, a quarry in Kavalkinaru, which had been officially closed, was granted permission to extract three lakh cubic metres of stone for over five years. But government inspection report shows that 6.78 lakh cubic metres were extracted in just one-and-a-half years,” Mr. Venkatesan said.
Published – November 02, 2025 06:48 pm IST
