MADURAI: A vacation bench of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday sought a status report from the state government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed to prevent sand quarry operations near Kollidam river for the safety and protection of the Grand Anicut.
The litigant V Jeevakumar, an advocate from Thanjavur, stated that the Grand Anicut (Kallanai) was constructed by King Karikala Cholan nearly 2,000 years ago. But there are indiscriminate sand quarry activities near Grand Anicut in Kollidam river, endangering the ancient structure, he claimed. On top of it, the government is also planning to open new sand quarries in 25 places, including the Kollidam river, Jeevakumar alleged, adding that despite objections from various quarters, the authorities are proceeding with the plan
When the case was heard on Thursday by a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice T Raja and Justice L Victoria Gowri, the government counsel contended that there is no such proposal to open a sand quarry near Kallanai. Only pipeline works for a drinking water project are underway in the area, he added. Hearing this, the judges sought a report from the government and adjourned the case to the first week of June.