Lamenting the exploitation of hills and hillocks for the purpose of manufacturing M-sand or manufactured sand, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court observed that if this was not prohibited, hills and hillocks would be lost.
A Division Bench of Justices N. Kirubakaran and S.S. Sundar directed the State to not allow the transportation of M-sand outside the State and alert toll plazas and check posts about this. However, the court allowed the use of M-sand within the State. The court adjourned the case to March 28.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation petition that sought a direction to stop illegal quarrying at Kulavimalai hills, also known as Vellimalai hills at Kalkulam taluk in Kanniyakumari district.
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The court was informed that M-sand and gravel were being manufactured by blasting the hills and this had resulted in damage to vegetation, including trees, and a temple situated atop the hill. Earlier, the court had asked the State to respond to the M-sand requirement for Tamil Nadu. The court had observed, “It has to be remembered by one and all that unless the natural resources are protected, the future generation will not forgive us.”