Farmers, activists oppose quarry waste disposal policy in Tamil Nadu
Tiruppur, May 25
Growing concerns are being raised across Tamil Nadu over the practice of dumping municipal solid waste in abandoned stone quarries, with farmers and environmental activists urging the state government to reconsider existing provisions that permit such disposal methods.
The demand comes amid allegations that local bodies in several districts, including Tiruppur, have been using abandoned quarry sites as dumping grounds for garbage collected from residential areas.
Environmental groups and farmers fear that the practice could lead to long-term damage to natural resources and public health if not regulated through stricter safeguards.
Representations have reportedly been submitted to the state government seeking amendments or withdrawal of a government order issued in February 2022 under the Reclamation, Restoration and Rehabilitation (RRR) framework.
Particular concern has been expressed over a provision that allows local bodies to utilise abandoned quarry pits for solid waste disposal. Activists argue that the provision is increasingly being misused, with allegations that untreated and unsegregated municipal waste is being directly dumped into quarry sites without proper scientific processing.
According to them, such practices pose risks of soil degradation, groundwater contamination, air pollution and broader environmental impacts. There are also concerns that abandoned quarry areas, which have the potential to function as water retention zones, may gradually lose their ecological value if they are converted into permanent garbage disposal sites.
Environmental campaigners maintain that many of these quarries naturally accumulate and store rainwater and therefore could serve as valuable resources during periods of water scarcity.
The issue has also reached legal forums in recent years, with petitions being filed before judicial bodies challenging the dumping of waste in quarry pits.
Legal observations have reportedly indicated that abandoned quarries may be used only for inert and scientifically processed waste under specific conditions and that such use must remain consistent with the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Farmers and environmental groups are now calling for stricter implementation of waste segregation and processing measures and the establishment of an effective monitoring mechanism to prevent environmental violations. They have also urged authorities to preserve abandoned quarry sites and protect them from becoming unregulated waste disposal zones.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Typical goondaism by local bodies. They take the easy way out without thinking of consequences. Our farmers already struggle with water scarcity, and now we risk contaminating the little water we have. The 2022 order needs immediate review. Who approved this nonsense?
I'm a farmer near Tiruppur, and this is happening right next to our fields. The smell is unbearable, and we worry about our wells. The government must listen to the activists. We need proper waste management, not shortcuts that destroy our land. 👨🌾
While I understand the concern, we also need practical solutions. Where will the waste go if not quarries? The real problem is lack of segregation at source and no proper treatment plants. The RRR framework isn't inherently bad—it's the implementation that fails. Let's focus on enforcement rather than just opposition.
The courts have already said only inert and processed waste can go in. But who's checking? 🤔 It's always the same story in India—good rules on paper, zero monitoring. We need local committees with farmers and activists to inspect these sites regularly. Our water security is non-negotiable.
I live near an abandoned quarry that became a dump. The stench during summer is horrible, and we've had cases of kids getting sick. The government should restore these quarries as water harvesting structures instead. That would actually benefit everyone. Wake up, officials! 🗣️
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