The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday observed that manual supervision and inspection were proving futile in curbing illegal sand mining in the State. Instead, the State could turn to technology to keep a constant vigil, it said.
A Division Bench of Justices N. Kirubakaran and S. S. Sundar observed that technology could be incorporated at district level for monitoring illegal sand mining. Drones, satellite imagery and other such methods could be used, the court mooted.
The court added the Director of IIT-Madras as a party to provide suggestions on the application of technology to monitor mining activities. The court also proposed the setting up of a monitoring committee with officials, activists and NGOs at the district level.
The court was hearing a contempt petition filed against the Karur district authorities for failing to take appropriate action against those involved in illegal quarrying in Manmangalam. The HC had earlier directed that an inquiry be conducted against those involved in illegal sand quarrying in the region. The case was adjourned for further hearing till February 13.