Rule 36 distance restrictions do not apply to quarry leases for colored granites as the definition of "stone" excludes such materials.

ORDER

Vide G.O.(3D) No.21, Natural Resources Department, dated

17.09.2025, the Government had granted quarry permission in favour of the 6^th respondent herein. The said G.O is put to challenge by the writ petitioner who is a resident of Kotta Natham village.

2. The writ petition has been filed primarily on the premise that the distance rule set out in Rule 36 of the Tamil Nadu Mines and Minerals Concession Rules, 1959 has been breached. According to the petitioner's counsel, the quarry site is located within 22 meters from a water body. 3. The learned Additional Advocate General appearing for the authorities as well as the learned counsel appearing for the 6^th respondent point out that the aforesaid Rule is not applicable to the quarry lease concerning colored granites. Rule 36 is applicable only to stone quarries. The expression “stone” has been defined as follows:-

“'stone' shall mean rough stones including khandas, boulders, size-

reduced (broken or crushed) materials including metal jelly,ballasts, mill stones, hand chakais and building and road construction stones other than black, red, pink, grey, green, whiteor other coloured or multi coloured granites or any other rocks suitable for use as ornamental and decorative stones.”

4. We are satisfied that the foundational premise on which the writ petition rests does not hold good. The counter affidavit filed by the 5^th respondent indicates that although the inhabited locality is within 300 meters of the quarry site, no blasting of rocks is involved or required. It is further stated that the multi colored granite blocks are extracted by the wire saw method which is a precision cutting technique. There is no need to use explosives. We direct the 6^th respondent to strictly abide by the conditions imposed in the impugned GO. There is no scope for interference. The Writ Petition is dismissed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.