Tamil Nadu government on Sunday announced the formation of a special team set up by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, to look into allegations of illicit mining in Thoothukudi district.
The government also announced simultaneous inspections of six lease sites in the district from August 12 to 14, and on August 19 and 20. The inspections will be followed by a visit from Revenue Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi, who leads the special team, between August 22 and 24. The final report is expected before September 8.
Each of the inspection teams would consist of a Senior Deputy Collector, an Assistant Director of Survey accompanied by their staff. The Thoothukudi district administration would assist the inspection teams. A core team, consisting of a senior District Revenue Officer, a Joint Director of Survey, Joint Director of Geology & Mining and an Additional Chief Environmental Engineer will coordinate the inspections of the six sites.