Thoothukudi: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to close all abandoned borewells and quarry pits across Thoothukudi district within six weeks. A Division Bench of Justices P. Velmurugan and K.K. Ramakrishnan passed the order on Tuesday while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by S.M.A. Pon Gandhimathinathan of Thoothukudi, who had sought directions to secure abandoned wells, borewells and quarry pits in the district, ANI reported.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse

The petitioner contended that several unused wells, borewells and stone quarry pits had been left uncovered, particularly along public roads, which can pose a serious threat to public safety. He also pointed out that cattle and other animals were at risk of falling into such open wells and pits. The matter has been posted after six weeks for a compliance report.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse

The petitioner submitted that despite submitting representations to the authorities seeking a comprehensive field inspection across Thoothukudi district and implementation of the necessary safety measures, no effective action had been taken.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse

In support of the plea, the petitioner cited a Supreme Court order dated August 6, 2010, which laid down measures to prevent fatal accidents involving abandoned borewells, and guidelines issued by the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary in 2023 directing all District Collectors to identify and secure abandoned wells, borewells and stone quarry pits.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse

The Supreme Court's 2010 directions include filling up abandoned borewells with clay, sand, boulders, pebbles or drill cuttings from the bottom to ground level, and filling mud pits and channels after completion of works. The order also states that if a borewell or tubewell is abandoned at any stage, the agency must obtain a certificate from the concerned department that the abandoned borewell has been properly filled up to ground level, and provides for random inspections.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse