MADURAI
A public interest litigation petition was filed before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday, seeking an injunction against a tender notification issued for a proposed stone quarry situated within 10 km from Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tirunelveli.
The petitioner, S. Sudalaikannu of Tirunelveli, said the Collector of Tirunelveli issued a notification on February 24 inviting applications from self-help groups and released bonded labourers for grant of lease for a stone quarry in a government poramboke land.
In the original notification, a time of 15 days was granted for submission of applications. However, the date of submission was advanced from March 10 to 6. He claimed that the very purpose of the notification issued under special category was to encourage the SHGs and freed bonded labourers.
Under Rule 20 (1) (a) of the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tender Rules, 2000, 15 working days should be given for submission of tender applications from the date of public notice. The advancement denied the SHGs and freed bonded labourers an opportunity to effectively take part in the tender process, he claimed.
He also claimed that out of the 17 areas earmarked for stone quarry operation, five fell within the eco-sensitive zone. This could prove detrimental to the ecology and cause irreparable damage to flora and fauna, he said, and sought a stay of the notification and further proceeding pursuant to the tender.
A division bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice P. Rajamanickam directed notice to the Environment and Forest department and Tirunelveli Collector. The case has been posted for further hearing to March 26.
