The Madras High Court recently made a strong demand, telling the government to quickly put up fences around all abandoned stone quarries that are currently open and dangerous. This urgent order comes because these deep, water-filled pits are causing many accidents and putting lives, especially children’s lives, at great risk. The court’s firm stand shows how serious the problem of public safety is, as these unprotected sites continue to be hidden dangers that can lead to tragic events. This new push from the court aims to make sure that no more people are hurt or die because of these deadly, unfenced holes in the ground.
Court Action on Dangerous Sites
The Madras High Court has demanded urgent action regarding abandoned quarry sites that are not fenced. This demand follows a series of drowning deaths in these water-filled pits across the state. The court has highlighted the serious dangers posed by these neglected areas, especially to children. In a recent case, the court ordered financial help of ₹25 lakh for the families of two teenagers, R Gideon and S Moses, who drowned in an unfenced quarry in Vellore. The court clearly stated that human lives are very valuable and that both the government and the private companies that held the quarry lease are responsible for such incidents caused by their carelessness.
Past Incidents and Repeated Warnings
Records show many sad incidents at abandoned quarries. These sites often become deep pits filled with rainwater, attracting people, especially children, who might not know the hidden dangers. In August 2025, a holiday turned tragic in Madurai when two young cousins, Ashiq Raja, aged 3. Syeda Ali Sahana, aged 9, drowned in a water-filled quarry pit. This event again brought up strong concerns among local people about the safety of such abandoned mining sites. Over the past four years, more than 400 people and hundreds of animals have died from accidental falls into unfenced quarries. These pits can be very deep, some going down as much as 500 feet. The water in them can look inviting. it often hides dangerous things like sharp rocks, mud. hidden holes. People who cannot swim well are at a much higher risk if they fall in.
Rules That Are Not Followed
Existing rules in Tamil Nadu, like the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, say that after mining is done, quarry sites should either be filled up and made level by the company, or if that is too expensive, they must be fenced. But, this rule is often ignored. Similarly, Rule 32 of the Granite Conservation and Development Rules from 1999 states that every company with a lease must, step by step, bring back the land to its original state before they stop mining or leave the quarry. But many quarry companies have not followed this rule and have left deep pits unfilled. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in December 2024 asked the state to provide an answer to a request for forming a committee to fix and bring back abandoned mines and quarries in the state. This request was made because of the many accidents that keep happening.
Government Directives and Public Demands
Following a recent accident where a car fell into a roadside well in Thoothukudi, killing five people, the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary directed officials to quickly check roadside wells and dangerous road sections across the state. This order also came at a time when people in Madurai were asking for fences around unused quarries. The Geology and Mining Department has also told officials in all districts to inspect at least 10 quarries every month and report on safety measures. The department noted that accidents happen because safety rules are not properly followed when permission is given for quarrying. Local residents and public activists have repeatedly asked authorities to secure these sites with proper fences and warning signs to stop more deaths. They also point out that some abandoned quarries are being used illegally as dumping grounds for waste, which harms the environment and local water sources.
Concerns from the Public
Local communities living near these quarries face several problems. These include:
- Air pollution from dust.
- Noise pollution from trucks and machines.
- Danger from unfenced deep pits.
- Contamination of local water sources.
- Damage to houses from blasting.
Activists have also stated that many quarry operations are illegal, going beyond permitted times and not providing safety gear for workers. They have urged the government to make a clear plan to fill up unused quarries with earth to prevent more deaths.
Environmental Impact of Neglected Quarries
Beyond the immediate safety risks, abandoned quarries cause lasting harm to the environment. When these large holes are left unfenced and unfilled, they can become:
- Dangerous lakes.
- Places for dumping waste, including municipal and medical waste, leading to heavy water pollution.
The process of quarrying itself can lead to:
- Loss of natural living places for animals and plants.
- Changes to the natural landscape.
- Contamination of nearby water.
There are calls for a “green fund” and the setting up of committees to restore and fix these abandoned sites, as outlined in the Tamil Nadu Mines and Mineral Concession Rules. But, reports suggest that many operators have not contributed to this fund. The High Court continues to push for quick action, stressing the need for the government and private leaseholders to take full responsibility for ensuring the safety of abandoned quarry sites across the state. The repeated incidents show a clear need for strict enforcement of rules and a strong commitment to public safety. 
