Kerala HC Calls For Reactivation Of Vigilance & Monitoring Committees At State, District And Divisional Levels To Prevent Unauthorized Quarrying
The Kerala High Court stated that there should be reactivation of Vigilance and Monitoring Committees at State, district and divisional levels to prevent and stop unauthorized and illegal quarrying in the State.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A.K.Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. hearing the suo moto case initiated after the Wayanad landslides, to prevent and manage natural disasters in Kerala held thus:
“State Government had directed for constitution of Vigilance and Monitoring Committee under the state, district and divisional levels to ensure surveillance and enforcement mechanism to prevent illegal and unauthorized quarrying in sensitive areas… It is emphasized that in the wake of natural disasters that have been noticed in the State, the reactivation of these Vigilance and Monitoring Committees is essential.”
The Court passed the above order considering the suggestions put forth by the Amicus Curiae, Senior Advocate Ranjith Thampan. It was submitted before the Court that the Government must ensure that the state, district and divisional Vigilance and Monitoring Committees are made operational and monthly reports are being filed by District Collectors in this regard across the State. The Amicus also recommended before the Court that the government must evolve a comprehensive mechanism for monitoring quarries in the State.
The Court further noted that the national disaster management authority and PM relief fund have not released any amounts towards disaster relief in Kerala after the landslides in Wayanad. It thus noted that this has to be considered by the national disaster management authority and also authorities that control the disbursal of funds from the PM relief fund.
The Court further stated that the unaddressed grievances of the survivors in the landslides submitted to the Wayanad district administration and KeLSA must be brought before it. It thus sought for the list of unaddressed grievances from the district administration and KeLSA.
Detailed Order is awaited.
Case Title: In Re: Prevention And Management Of Natural Disasters In Kerala V State Of Kerala
Case Number: WP(C) 28509/ 2024 & Connected Cases