Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s Mineral Resources Department has launched an inquiry into allegations that fines imposed on quarries found violating rules were reduced during the previous administration.
Across the state, around 3,000 black-stone quarries and crushers are said to be operating, of which only about 2,000 are reportedly government-approved. Officials assess how much stone was extracted beyond permitted limits and levy penalties based on field inspections.
However, the department has found indications that the penalty amounts were later lowered, allegedly due to higher-level intervention. The issue was discussed in a recent review meeting of senior officials following the change in government.
According to a department official, intensified checks into quarry irregularities led to fresh findings while verifying pending penalties. In Tirunelveli district’s Cheranmahadevi and surrounding areas, violations were detected in 24 quarries, and fines of up to Rs 270 crore were imposed.
The official said it has now emerged that these fines were reduced to about Rs 17 crore by leveraging support at the department’s higher levels. The department is also examining similar cases elsewhere and estimating the resulting loss to the exchequer.
