Dumping of boulders into Geddai stream in Nilgiris under probe

The Revenue and Forest Departments in the Nilgiris are probing allegations of illegal boulder dumping into Geddai stream, a tributary of the Geddai Dam. This potential hazard to nearby residents stems from the Horticulture Department's permission granted to Kil Kundha landowners to clear boulders from their agricultural land.

However, the landowners allegedly contravened this permission by dumping at least two loads of boulders excavated from their property into the stream. Local residents, observing this breach, expressed concern that the loose rocks along the dry riverbed could be dislodged during heavy rains, endangering residents and nearby structures.

Forest Department officials confirmed to The Hindu that the stream lies within revenue land and an inspection had been conducted. The landowners were informed of the violation. When questioned, Tahsildar B. Gunavathi stated the landowners had been granted permission to remove the boulders from August 14 to 19 and were explicitly told not to dump rocks in streams or riverbeds.

She reported that a Revenue Department team inspected the site and directed the landowners to remove the boulders, disposing of them on their own land.

The official statement from the Revenue Department outlines that landowners received permission from August 14 to 19 to clear boulders from their Kil Kundha property, with clear instructions not to dump rocks into streams or riverbeds. They were informed that a Revenue Department team had inspected the site and ordered them to remove the boulders and dispose of them on their own land.