The State government will take a policy decision on quarrying of major minerals based on the report of the special team headed by revenue secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa told the Assembly on Tuesday.
Replying to a question posed by Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) member Alagapuram R. Mohan Raj, on the action taken by the government against illegal quarrying of beach sand and other minerals in the State, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the team had submitted its report on September 17 on the status of quarrying of beach mineral in Tuticorin district which was under the study of the government.
The probe was underway in 77 quarries leased out to private parties in other districts - Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tiruchi and Madurai.
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Ms. Jayalalithaa said her government had banned quarrying of beach sand in the wake of complaints of irregularities and appointed a team to probe the irregularities.
“The economic development of a country depends on efficient use its natural resources including mines, water, land, forest and fuel. I am of the firm opinion that these natural resources should not be exploited beyond the limit and the stipulations fixed by the State government,” she said.