Residents of several villages near Melur have stepped up their agitation, demanding the permanent closure of an illegal stone quarry operating at the foothills of Aruvimalai in Kachirayanpatti panchayat.
A petition was submitted to the Madurai District Collector on Wednesday, seeking comprehensive action against the stone quarry situated in K. Pudur, with villagers and environmental activists calling for the total revocation of its licence.
The controversy centred on allegations that the quarry has been functioning in violation of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959.
Jeeva, a resident of Kesampatti village, said the quarry operations had severely impacted vital local waterbodies and streams — including Karuppayurani, Aruvi Kulam and Velluthu Neerurthu — as well as endangered local agriculture, registered homes, roads, rock beds, archaeological stone inscriptions and places of worship.
He also pointed to the threat posed to vulnerable local wildlife, specifically the endangered slender loris, and the broader biodiversity ecosystem. Mr. Jeeva alleged that the facility had obtained clearances by concealing critical facts.
Tensions have simmered for over a year, marked by repeated road blockades and petitions to district authorities.
Following an intensified road protest on June 15, 2026, the Melur Tahsildar and officials from the Department of Geology and Mining intervened, announcing a temporary closure pending a full inspection of the alleged violations.
However, he claimed that despite the official shutdown, stone-crushing activities persisted covertly and that quarry operators and associated elements resorted to intimidating frontline activists and their families.
Police protection was previously sought at the Kottampatti police station due to mounting security fears.
The issue resurfaced last month when villagers learned of potential moves to reopen the site, prompting a fresh representation submitted to the Melur Tahsildar on September 18, 2026.
“Mines Department officials stated that a drone-based digital survey of the quarry has been completed; machinery is currently being cleared from the premises, and an exhaustive inspection is underway,” Mr. Jeeva noted.
Despite these administrative steps, he said that the locals remained sceptical and had urged the district administration and the State’s Mineral Resources Ministry to initiate stringent punitive measures.
Published - October 07, 2026 06:49 pm IST