HC disposes petition on sand mining

The Madras High Court today disposed a petition seeking to consider the representation made by former MLA M Appavu to ban river sand mining, stating that it was the authorities to take a decision on the matter.
Appavu submitted that in 2002, the Madras High Court while dealing with a PIL directed the state Government to constitute a committee to conduct a scientific survey on the river sand quarrying and submit a report.
The committee suggested use of crushed stonesandas an alternate material to naturalsand for construction activities.
In spite of the recommendation of the use of crushed stonesand, the usage of riversandcontinues in all construction activities, Appavu contended.

Due to continious riversandmining, the state was facing rapid drying up of rivers, lakes, ponds leading to water scarcity and drought.
The Court disposed the petition stating that it was the authorities to take a decision.