No JCBs, tipper lorries and poclain can be used in Nilgiris district, the Madras High Court has ruled. As their usage would trigger land sliding in the area, endangering the flora and fauna, they should not be allowed to be used, a division bench comprising Justices Elipe Dharma Rao and M Venugopal, said.
The bench was dismissing a batch of writ petitions from K Manthesh Kuttan and 8 others and Nilgiris Mavatta JCB & Poclain Owners
Association, which prayed for permission to use the machinery for agricultural and construction purposes. “It is well within every prudent man’s knowledge that Nilgiris houses one of the most unique ecosystem in our country and due to various reasons, particularly due to the illegal activities of greedy persons like illegal mining, the ecosystem of the area is in danger,’’ the Bench said.