:The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has been tasked by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) with submitting a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for cleaning up garbage in abandoned quarries in Tiruppur district and shifting the wastes elsewhere.“The Member Secretary (of TNPCB) has to prepare, examine and prioritise the list of abandoned mines or quarries in the district to conduct detailed studies for their reclamation, restoration and rehabilitation,” a directive issued by the NGT, Southern Zone, last month, said.The Tiruppur City Corporation, which had dumped the solid wastes into abandoned quarries had referred to the amendments to the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral and Concession Rules, 1959, that provides for reclamation, restoration and rehabilitation.In his petition, R. Sathishkumar, environmental activist, had sought removal of the garbage that has already been dumped, and steps to prevent further dumping and clean up the areas.Stating that the Madras High Court had earlier ordered the Tiruppur Corporation to explore the possibility of shifting the old garbage to another location, the NGT had pointed out that no Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared before dumping the waste in the quarry pits, nor was appropriate technology put in place for it. The NGT had also flagged the risk of rainwater mixing with the waste and the leachate generated from it affecting the quality of groundwater and drinking water.Damage to the environment and public wager supplies must be prevented scientifically, the NGT emphasised, directing the City Corporation and the State authorities concerned to resolve the issue on priority basis and remove the dumped waste.The DPR must factor in the procedures laid down in the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules regarding the restoration and rehabilitation of abandoned quarries.The case will come up for hearing again on September 22. Published - August 25, 2026 09:00 pm IST