After conducting enquiries with officials of Public Works Department and Department of Mines, Legal Commissioner U. Sagayam on Wednesday enquired the officials of Department of Panchayats about the impact of illegal mining in the district.
A large number of Block Development Officers, led by Assistant Director of Panchayat Rengasamy, appeared before Mr. Sagayam and deposed on the issue.
The Legal Commissioner is understood to have questioned them about the extent of damage to various waterbodies under their limits.
He also sought details of petitions and complaints various officers had received so far against illegal mining and the action taken on such complaints.
The extent of loss in agriculture and other rural livelihood activities and impact of mining on biodiversity were discussed during the enquiry.
Estimate
Mr. Sagayam also sought the estimated amount required to restore the waterbodies to their original status before mining activities started in the district.
