Coimbatore: It was on 10-02-2021 the Madras High Court directed the local authorities including Coimbatore District Collector to act swiftly against closure of illegal brick kilns mushroomed in Thadagam valley, here.
Coimbatore: It was on 10-02-2021 the Madras High Court directed the local authorities including Coimbatore District Collector to act swiftly against closure of illegal brick kilns mushroomed in Thadagam valley, here.
Even weeks after the order was passed, all officials concerned have turned their back, by not initiating any action, lament the activists who add that "to the contrary, the illegal brick kilns have almost doubled their business."
As many as 183 brick kilns functioning across Thadagam valley were asked to close immediately by the two bench headed by Justices Banerjee and Senthil Kumar, on February 10.
Loads and loads of natural resources are still being smuggled at these illegal brick kilns in the five panchayats namely Thadagam, Nanjundapuram, Veerapandi, Panneermadai, Somayampalayam. And, a whopping 9000 acres of land is being misused for illegal sand mining, alleged activist Ganesh.
Simplicity had previously reported that upon acting on the instructions of T.M.S. Rajendran, the writ petitioner, a three member advocates from Coimbatore has issued legal notices to Forest department, TANGEDCO, Mines department, Police department, LPA, HR&CE, TNPCB, RDO North, Transport department, to take necessary remedial measures immediately. However, days after being issued the notice, the business of brick Kilns continue to soar, as it has neither been closed nor stopped functioning.
Today, SimpliCity exclusively accessed videos of trucks carrying sands mined illegally close to the land of Forest department at Kondanur in Annakati Hills Area, 24, Veerapandi village. And it’s survey number is as follows SF.NO.709 -- an evident proof to show violation of court order. The activist also informed that the driver of the truck Sivakumar is yet to be remanded, while the truck has been seized by the Thadagam circle police station.
Speaking to SimpliCity, a source claimed that nearly 400 loads of sands were mined today, in the area.
When contacted, AD of Mines department Ramesh told, that the matter has been take in to consideration and the department is acting on it. While mining of sand in this region came as a big shock days after the judgment, DFO Venkatesh was unavailable for any comments.
However, headed by I Anwardeen, Chief Conservator Of Forests (CCF), Coimbatore circle. and ACF Senthil said, action will be initiated against offenders only after proper investigation and refused to comment on it saying they are unaware of the issue.
Multiple attempts to reach Sub Inspector of Thadagam police station by SimpliCity failed.