Chennai, Aug. 27:
The Tamil Nadu government will examine allegations regarding the disappearance of 18 hillocks and mountain formations across the State due to extensive mining and take appropriate action based on the findings, Minister K A Sengottaiyan has said.
The issue came into focus in the Assembly after concerns were raised over the large-scale destruction of hills and rocky formations, particularly in areas where quarrying and mining activities have intensified over the years.
Minister for Mines and Minerals T K Prabhu had earlier highlighted the extent of environmental degradation, displaying photographs in the Assembly and stating that several mountains and hillocks had disappeared over the past decade due to excessive and illegal mining.
Among the locations cited were Bheemarishi and Konaripalayam in Perambalur district, Sengunam mountain, hillocks at Siraiyur and Kondayampatti in Madurai district, a rock hillock at Amburpettai in Tirupattur district, Ananthalai mountain in Ranipet, formations at Muthur in Coimbatore district and Konamalai mountain in Tenkasi district.
The destruction of hillocks has raised serious environmental concerns as such geological formations play a crucial role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity and the stability of local ecosystems. Excessive quarrying can also increase the risk of soil erosion and permanently alter the natural landscape.
Sengottaiyan said the government would examine the details relating to the reported disappearance of the hillocks. The scrutiny is expected to focus on whether mining permissions were properly granted, whether environmental norms were followed and whether illegal extraction contributed to the destruction.
The government’s response comes amid growing calls for stronger monitoring of quarrying operations and stricter enforcement against illegal mining.
The examination of the reported disappearance of the 18 hillocks is expected to become an important test of the State’s approach towards balancing mineral extraction with environmental protection.