DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT FOR

MULTI COLOUR GRANITE

TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

2019

DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT-TIRUNELVELI 1

 1. INTRODUCTION
In conjunction to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Government of
India Notification No.SO 3611 (E) dated 25.07.2018 and SO 190 (E) dated 20.01.2016 the District
Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) and District Environment Appraisal
Committee (DEAC) were constituted in Tirunelveli District for the grant of Environmental
Clearance for category “B2” projects for quarrying of Minor Minerals.
The main purpose of preparation of District Survey Report is to identify the mineral resources
and develop the mining activities along with relevant current geological data of the District. The
DEAC will scrutinize and screen scope of the category “B2” projects and the DEIAA will grant
Environmental Clearance based on the recommendations of the DEAC for the Minor Minerals on
the basis of District Survey Report. This District Mineral Survey Report is prepared on the basis of
field work carried out in Tirunelveli district by the official from Geological Survey of India and
Directorate of Geology and Mining, (Tirunelveli District), Govt. of Tamilnadu.
Tirunelveli district was formed in the year 1790 and is one of the oldest districts in the state,
with effect from 20.10.1986 the district was bifurcated and new district Thothukudi was formed
carving it. Tirunelveli district has geographical area of 6759 sq.km and lies in the south eastern
part of Tamilnadu state. The district is bounded by the coordinates 08°05 to 09°30’ N and 77°05’
to 78°25 E and shares boundary with Virudunagar district in north, Thothukudi district in east,
Kanniyakumari district in south and with Kerala state in the West.
District Abstract
1. Area : 6823 Sq.Kms
2. No.of Revenue Divisions 3 - Tirunelveli,
: Cheranmadevi and
Tenkasi
3. No.of Taluks : 16
4. No.of Revenue Villages : 559
5. No.of Panchayat Unions : 19
6. No.of Village Panchayats : 425
7. No.of Town Panchayats : 36
8. No.of Municipalities : 7
9. No.of Corporation : 1 - Tirunelveli
The perennial river Tamiraparani flows almost in the central part of the district and feeds the
entire district population. Tirunelveli district has fifteen taluks (Alangulam,
Ambasamudram, Nanguneri, Palayamkottai, Radhapuram, Sankarankoil, Shenkottai,

DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT-TIRUNELVELI 2

 Sivagiri, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thisaiyanvilai, Veerakeralamputhur, Cheranmahadevi,
Kadayanallur, Manur and Thiruvenkatam) with total population of 33, 22, 644 (as per 2011

census).
Fig. 1. Tirunelveli district map showing important towns and road connectivity.

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 2. OVERVIEW OF MINING ACTIVITY IN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT.

Crystalline Limestone, Multi color dimension stone, Rough stone/Gravel, Beach sand
mineral containing Garnet, Ilmenite, Rutile, etc are noteble economic importance minerals of
found in Tirunelveli District. Minor occurrences of Graphite, Mica and Gemstone are also
reported in the district. Mining activities based on rough stone (mostly charnockite) are majorly
concentrated in Alangulam, Ambasanuthram, Radhapuram, Nanguneri, Manur and
Sankarankovil Taluks in the district under operation for production of construction materials and
earth fill as gravel.
The multi color dimension stones occurring at Kaladaikurichi (Ambai White),
Poongudiyarkulam, Mannarkovil, Adachani in Ambasamudram Taluk, Kasthurirangapuram,
Kannanallur in Radhapuram Taluk and Singikulam, Melacheval in Cheranmahadevi Taluk are
recorded in the district which once actively mined by M/s TAMIN Ltd (Govt of Taminadu) and
other private miners.
Crystalline Limestone occurring as bands in Talayuttu and Ramaayyanpatti extends over
strike length of 2.5 km with average width of 120 m were extensively mined by M/s India
Cements Ltd, M/s South India Mines and Minerals Industries Ltd, M/s Krishna Mines etc in
recent years. Crystalline limestone intercalated with calc granulite occurring in Padmaneri,
Pottasutti, Singikulam, Pandapulli, Terku Seliyanur and Marandai areas were also mined in
1980’s by M/s TAMIN Ltd (Govt of Taminadu) and other private agencies.
Rich deposits of garnet and ilmenite sand occurs along the coast part of Radhapuram Taluk,
in Tirunelveli district. Red garnet sand occurs along Nambiar River. Vijayapatti, Kuttankuzhi
and Idindakarai areas show notable garnet and ilmenite sands occuurrences which were exploited
economically in recent times.
The Deputy Director, Geology and Mining, Tirunelveli district functioning under the control
of District Collector, Tirunelveli manages and administrates the minerals and mining activity in
the district.
3. GENERAL PROFILE OF TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT.
Tirunelveli district has its climate, physiography and culture almost similar to Tamil Nadu
State, and as a whole it described as the microcosm of the State. The erstwhile single district
which is ancient in history and culture, was divided into two districts, namely Tirunelveli - the
western half of the former district, and Thoothukudi district - the eastern half of the former
district - through the State Government's Notification G.O.Ms.No.l314, dt.27.09.1986. The
erstwhile district, which covered an area of 1l,433 sqkms, has been limited to 6,283sqkms, after
4
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 bifurcation. Tirunelveli is derived from three Tamil words tiru (holy), nel (paddy), and veli
(fence), which meant for Sacred Paddy Hedge referring to a legend that the God Shiva protected
a devotee's rice crop there. Later the city was one amongst the commercial centre under the
Pandya Dynasty who ruled Tamil Nadu during medieval period.
The population of this District was 2723988 as per 2001 Census and 30, 72,880 as per 2011
census. The Density of Population per sq.km. was 399 as per 2001 census and 455 persons as per
2011 census . Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Ambasamudram are the most densely populated Taluks in
the District as per 2001 census. The Sex ratio is 1024 females for every 1000 males in the
District as per 2011 census. The Literacy rate is 76.09% in the District as per 2001 census. Out
of the total population, males are 1333939 and females 1390049 as per 2001 census. Out of the
total population, males are 1518595 and females 1554285 as per 2011 census.The district having
Schedule caste population of 481052 which represents 17.66% to total population as per 2001
census. Schedule Tribes are found to be very small in numbers 358 which is 0.31% of the Total
population. 4.36% of State population lives in Tirunelveli district, 1415742 live in Rural area and
1308246 live in urban area forming 52% and 48% respectively as per 2001.
There are 25 medium and major industries such as cement, cotton yarn, calcium carbide,
sugar, cotton seed oil, printing papers and flour mill etc. Among the other industries in the
district pin, clip, matches, beedi, vessels making and engineering industries are important. The
important Village industries functioning in the district are handloom, poultry farming, brick
making, jaggary (Palm) production. The Handloom products Lungi, Sarees etc are marketed in
north India. So also the fine Korai mats one from Pathamadi has world fame. Kallidaikurichi
pappads, Karukurichi mud pots, also Tirunelveli “Halva” are specialities which earned many
laurels to the District.
Courtallam is situated at the Western Ghats in Tenkasi Taluk. The famous waterfalls on
rocks and tiny droplets are sprinkled in the air. The water falls of Courtalam have medicinal
value as they run through forest and herbs before their decent. Pappanasam Agasthiar falls also
attracts tourist and pilgrims.There is a Wild life sanctuary at Mundanthurai and Kalakadu.
Spotted deers, Liontailed monkeys, Elephants and Tigers are plenty.
The Nellaiappar temple at Tirunelveli, Sankaranainar temple at Sankarankoil,
Kasiviswanathar temple at Tenkasi and Vanamamalai Temple at Nanguneri are the land marks of
the District signifying the Hindu Culture. Palayamkottai has many Christian missions and
Athankaraipallivasal & Pottalpudur Darga have considered being important sacred places for
Islam.

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 4. GEOLOGY OF THE DISTRICT

4.1 An Over view of Geology of Tamilnadu

Crystalline rocks of Archaean to late Proterozoic age occupy over 80% of the area of the
state of Tamilnadu, while the rest is covered by Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks mainly along the
coastal belt and in a few inland River valleys. The hard rock terrain comprises predominantly of
Charnockite and Khondalite groups and their migmatitic derivatives, supracrustal sequences of
Sathyamangalam and Kolar groups and Peninsular Gneissic Complex (Bhavani Group), intruded
by ultramafic-mafic complexes, basic dykes, granites and syenites. The sedimentary rocks of the
coastal belt include fluviatile, fluvio-marine and marine sequences, such as Gondwana
Supergroup (Carboniferous to Permian and Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous), marine
sediments of Cauvery basin (Lower Cretaceous to Paleogene), Cuddalore /Pannambarai
Formation (Mio-Pliocene) and sediments of Quaternary and Recent age.

Fig 2. Geological Map of Tamilnadu (Source: Miscellaneous Publication, GSI, SU: TN&P, Chennai)

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 4.2 General Geology of Tirunelveli district:
Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT) of Tamil Nadu lying south of Palaghat-Cauvery shear
zone has been divided into two major tectonic blocks by the Madurai block and Nagercoil-
Trivandrum Block in the south. It is separated by WNW-ESE trending Achankovil-
Tambaraparani Lineament. Tirunelveli and Thothukudi are significantly the only districts in the
state to witness the geology and structure of both the blocks.
Tirunelveli district represents a well-developed lithopackage of meta-sedimentary sequence
inter banded with charnockite Group of rocks. The rock types exposed are of quartzite, calc-
granulite, garnet-biotite-sillimanite gneiss, garnet quartzo-feldspathic gneiss and garnet-biotite-
cordierite gneiss belonging to Khondalite Group of rock. Charnockite and pyroxene granulite are the
Charnockite Group. Hornblende-biotite gneiss belongs to Migmatitic Complex. Besides, basic
intrusive (pyroxenite) and acid intrusive (granite) are noticed. The younger intrusive are represented
by pegmatite and quartz veins. Evidence of development of incipient / patchy charnockite along the
shear plane is noticed in the district along the Western Ghat high hills.
Recent-Sub recent Soil and alluvium, calcrete

Quartz and pegmatite vein

Incipient charnockite

Acidic intrusive – Granite

700-550 Ma Younger intrusive
Basic intrusive (Pyroxenite, Ultramafic/mafic
rocks)
2200-2550 Ma Migmatite Group Hornblende-biotite gneiss

Meta gabbro (older Intrusive)

Charnockite Group Charnockite
Pyroxene granulite

2600 Ma Garnet-biotite-quartzofeldspathic gneiss

Garnet-biotite gneiss
Khondalite Group Garnet –biotite –Sillimanite gneiss ± cordierite
gneiss
Crystalline limestone, Calc granulite
Quartzite
Basement Unknown

Table 7.1 General tectono-stratigraphy of Tirunelveli District

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 4.3 Mineral occurrences in Tirunelveli District
The pioneer work to understand mineral resource of the district started during colonial
period by Bruce Foote in 1883, who described the geology of Madura and Tinnevelly districts in
the memoirs of Geological Survey of India. Nararyanaswamy (1942-46) worked extensively in
erstwhile Madras Presidency, Uttumalai Zamindari and Tranvancore Zamindari and brought out
limestone deposit of Tinnevelly and Tuticorin dts covering the whole of the Nanguneri,
Kovilpatti, Tuticorin and Tinnevelly taluk (around Talaiyuttu). The work also recorded graphite
bearing gneiss at Kurinjakulam and high-grade limestone bands near Gopalapuram, north of
Sankarankovil.

Index
Dimension Stone
Limestone
Rough Stone

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 After independence mineral survey and exploration work in the country took momentum
by Geological Survey of India and other govt agencies. Kanishkan (1981-82) carried out mineral
investigation for tungsten and associated ores in Tirunelveli and Madurai district and reported
the major band of crystalline limestone with lenses of calc-gneiss and calc-ganulite associated
with gneisses and quartzite bands to the north of Talaiyuttu around Seliyanur-Nellaitiruttu in
Tirunelveli district. Tungsten upto 600 ppm have been recorded in crystalline limestone from the
area. Jayaprakash (1986-87) from GSI carried out investigation for calc tufa occurrences in the
areas of Uttumalai and Reddiyarpatti shows 35% of CaO and is restricted to a few patches with
total areal extent of 2.85 sq.km.
In Tirunelveli district, bulk of crystalline limestone for cement industry comes from
Ramayyanpatti, Talaiyuttu and Pandapalli areas. The total reserves are about 20-30 million
tonnes with average CaO 45%, MgO 6% and SiO2 8%. Tuffaceous limestone and kankar of
about 23-24 million tonnes occurs near Vijayapatti in the district. Gypsum associated with
kankar is reported from a few localities in the saltpans, located along the east coast between
Veppalodai and Ayyanapuram in the district. Minor graphite occurrences are located in
Kurinjankulam in Tirunelveli District with a reserve of about 19,000 tonnes on Palakottai Hill.
Rough stone (mostly charnockite and Hbl-bt gneiss) are majorly concentrated in Alangulam,
Radhapuram, Nanguneri, Manur and Sankarankovil Taluks in the district.
Multi color dimension stones occurrences significantly visited during the field work at
Kaladaikurichi (Ambai White), Poongudiyarkulam, Mannarkovil, Adachani in Ambasamudram
Taluk, Kasthurirangapuram, Kannanallur in Radhapuram Taluk and Singikulam, Melacheval in
Cheranmahadevi Taluk of Tiurnelveli District. Rich deposits of garnet and ilmenite sand occurs
along the coast part of Radhapuram Taluk, in Tirunelveli district. Vijayapatti, Kuttankuzhi and
Idindakarai areas show notable garnet and ilmenite sands occurrences. Red garnet sand occurs
significantly along Nambiar river. The main sources of the heavy minerals are found to
garnetiferrous quartzo-feldspathic gneiss and garnet biotite sillimanite gneiss of Khondalite
Group of rocks.
Occurrences of Limekankar are identified in Kasthurirengapuram village of Radhapuram
Taluk. Where the lime kankar deposit is about 2 to 3 meters thickness with minimum soil cover.
Limekankar having CaO from 35% to 40%, it may be used for cement manufacturing.
Occurrences of Clay is identified in Pallikottai village of Manur Taluk. In this area clay
deposit thickness varies from 1 to 2 meters and contains Al2O3 13% to 18%.

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 5. DRAINAGE OF IRRIGATION PATTERN
Thamarabarani, Nambiar, Chittar and Karamaniar are the important rivers draining the
district. Tamarabarani originating from Papanasam flows thorough the district. The Nambiyar
river originates in the eastern slopes of the Western ghats near Nellikalmottai about 9.6 km west
of Tirukkurugundi village at an altitude of about 1060 m amsl At the foot of the hills, the river is
divided into two arms. The main arm is joined by Tamarabarani at the foothills. Chittar
originates near Courtallam and flows through Tenkasi and confluences with Tamarabarani. The
hilly terrains have resulted in number of falls in the district. There are three major falls in
Manimuttar Reservoir catchments area and there are few falls in the Tamarabarani river also. A
series of falls in Chittar river in Courtallam comprising Five Falls, Honey Falls, Main falls and
Old Courtallm Falls are some of the important falls in the area. The drainage pattern in general is
dendritic. In addition, there are eight dams at the places as given below for irrigation and power
generation purposes.

6. LAND UTILISATION PATTERN IN THE DISTRICT: FOREST,

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, MINING ETC.,
LAND UTILISATION PATTERN
Of the total of 6,82,300 hectares area in Tirunelveli district, about 79,668 (11.7%) hectares
are wet lands well suited for the cultivation of paddy and other crops which need adequate water
supply, while others are not useful for agricultural purposes. Nearly 3,58,151 (52.5%) hectares is
dry land with no irrigation facilities for agriculture, although soil condition is moderate for
growing crops, so that it mat be used to grow drought resistant plants which offer firewood.
A block of waste lands which about 39,274 (5.7%) hectares is proclaimed to be not useful for
growing crops, because of lack of enough water, poor soil, and undesired topographic conditions.
Approximately 57,676 (8.5%) hectares is unassessed wasteland where soil condition is fair while
water supply scarcity prevails for several months, so that it is used for agriculture only when
rainfall is high. Yet, another 1, 22,055 (17.8%) hectares is occupied by forests which are
declared to be reserves as forest resources for liontailed monkeys, rich in deciduous and
evergreen plants. Poromboke - common lands, covers about 25,456 (3.8%) hectares, which may
be used to create social forests although water is scarce. Fig 4.1 Land use land cover map of
Tirunelveli District (after National Natural Resource Management system, ISRO, 2014).
In 2002 as per NRSA data (Bhuvan, Govt. of India), shows that 29% of the total area of
urban centers used for residential purposes while in rural centers only 14% of areas used for this
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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 purposes. The area of agricultural lands and open spaces gets reduced every year in the district
owing to the rapid conversion in these areas for residential purposes. The land use pattern in the
district is shown in the Table No.5.1.

TABLE 5.1
Land Use Pattern in Tirunelveli District
Land Category Area Percentage
(in Hectares)
Wet Land 79,668 11.7
Dry Land 3,58.151 52.5
Assessed Waste Land 39,274 5.7
Unassessed Dry Waste Land 57,696 8.5
Forest Land 1,22,055 17.8
Poramboke (Common Land) 25,456 3.8
Total geographical area 6,82,300 100
Area sown more than once 30,163 1.50
Total area cultivated 1,61,976 23.74

Fig 4. Land use land cover map of Tirunelveli District (after National Natural Resource Management system, ISRO, 2014).

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 FOREST

AGRICULTURE
Tirunelveli district is predominantly an agricultural district. The district has two main
seasons, Kar (From June to September during south-west monsoon) and Pishanam (From
November to February during north-east monsoon). The cropping pattern of the district varies
from Taluk to Taluk. Paddy occupies however, the largest area of cultivation, followed by
Pulses. Paddy is cultivated mainly in Manur, Palayamkottai, Tenkasi, Shenkottai,
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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 Ambasamudram, Cheranmadevi, Sivagiri and Nanguneri Taluks, through which the perennial
river Tamirabarani flows. Wet land cultivation is, essentially paddy cultivation obtains a major
share of the gross cropped area. Even in dry regions, wherever water is available, it is the paddy
crop that sown by the farmers. Under rainfed or dry land cultivation areas, diversified crop
patterns exist and no single crop claims a large share of the gross cropped area. Cultivation
which characterizes these regions is also basically millets and pulses.Other crops grown in the
district are Maize, pulses, groundnut, gingelly, coconut banana and chillies. Portions of
Sankarankoil Taluk have the rich, fertile black cotton soil which is highly suitable for cotton
cultivation. Factors such as type of soil, climatic conditions, irrigation facilities, etc., determine
the cropping pattern in a region. Most of the rainfed areas are cultivated during North East
Monsoon either pulses of millets.

MAJOR HORTICULTURE CROPS:

Major horticulture crops cultivated in this district are fruits crops like mango, banana, lime and
aonla, vegetables like bhendi, tomato, brinjal, onion, spices and condiments like chillies and
tamarind and flower crops like jasmine and rose.
SOIL:
The soil condition of the district may be grouped into two main varieties namely red loam
soil and black soil. The black soil is of a higher value compared to the red loam soil and the
black soil of the Tamirabarani River Valley overlies a stiff yellow colour. The red loam found in
Tenkasi, Shenkottai, Sivagiri, and Radhapuram Taluks. The black soil is found in Sankarankoil,
Palayamkottai, and Tirunelveli Taluks. The other soils like lateritic, sandy coastal alluvial soil
and red-sand soil are not found much in the district. In the south-east coast, the soil is deep, loose
and red loam surfaced by sand with its depth varying from a few inches to 20 feet.
Soil Types found in Tirunelveli District

Soil Type Places in

Tirunelveli District

Red Loam Alangulam, Tenkasi, Shenkottai, Sivagiri,

Veerakeralam Puthur and Radhapuram
Taluks
Lateritic Nil.
Black Soil Sankarankoil, Thiruvengadam,
Kuruvikulam, Palayamkottai, Manur, and
Tirunelveli.
Sandy Coastal Alluvium and In coastal areas of Tirunelveli district
Red Sandy Soil

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 7. SURFACE WATER AND GROUND WATER SCENRIOOF THE
DISTRICT
. The district having been fertiled and flourished by number of rivers. Among them
Tamirabarani, Pachaiyaru, Koraiyaru, and Chittaru are too important. Besides these rivers the
important other small rivers in the distrct are Aluthakanniyaru, Jambunathi, Ramanathi,
Gadananathi, Hanuman Nathi, Karuppanathi, Gundaru, Mottaiyaru, Manimutharu, Nambiyaru,
Karunaiyaru, Vadamalaiyaru, Kottamalaiyaru, Kothaiyaru, Rajasinghiyaru, Mundhal Odai.
Thamarabarani, Nambiar, Chittar and Karamaniar are the important rivers draining the
district. Tamarabarani originating from Papanasam flows thorough the district. The Nambiyar
river originates in the eastern slopes of the Western ghats near Nellikalmottai about 9.6 km west
of Tirukkurugundi village at an altitude of about 1060 m amsl At the foot of the hills, the river is
divided into two arms. The main arm is joined by Tamarabarani at the foothills. Chittar
originates near Courtallam and flows through Tenkasi and confluences with Tamarabarani.

8. RAINFALL OF THE DISTRICT AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

8.1 Climate: The district, in general experiences tropical climate with minor changes. The
normal temperature varies between 24.4°C and 27.1°C at mean minimum, whereas the
hottest climate experiences from March to May with mercury reaching 38.5°C at the highest.
The climate is comparatively cool during the months from November to February. The
average rainfall during 2005-06 is 917.86 mm and the number of rainy days varies from 98 to
110 in a year. The relative humidity, in general around the year is between 55 and 65% in
most parts of the district, except during the north-east monsoon season when it is over 65%.
However, the coastal areas will be comparatively more humid.

8.2Rainfall: Main rainy season is from October to the middle of January. During
this southwest monsoon season the rainfall is more in the western parts of the
district. November is generally the rainiest month. The heaviest rainfall in 24
hours recorded in the district was 371.5 mm at Sivagiri on 29/10/1929. The
average rain fall in the district is 814.8 mm per annum.
6.1. Table Comparative Statement of monthly Rainfall data in Tirunelveli district in mm
(Source: http://www.nellai.tn.nic.in ) 6.1. (contd) Table Comparative Statement of monthly
Rainfall data in Tirunelveli district in mm (Source: http://www.nellai.tn.nic.in)

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 Month Normal 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

January 50.2 80.16 6.40 0.58 36.57 4.92 54.49 24.80 9.28 8.89 37.16

February 30.2 26.54 75.83 104.25 16.62 27.50 1.80 3.52 83.3 NIL 0.08

March 41.3 9.53 29.30 100.72 5.82 68.17 124.23 7.44 377.19 31.63 40.48

April 59.8 118.79 91.00 0.78 91.15 180.49 25.51 131.64 103.4 72.01 36.91

May 38.0 26.73 82.91 29.55 135.02 25.46 35.95 10.97 4.94 24.07 39.4

June 29.6 24.43 4.12 20.18 59.16 20.28 28.60 87.78 10.32 21.38 29.67

July 26.4 29.58 5.14 19.19 9.53 80.50 26.80 46.49 35.22 59.94 60.56

August 23.3 10.80 35.68 15.48 26.12 19.91 25.38 33.11 72.00 25.97 18.43

September 30.2 22.03 13.66 10.34 101.48 32.77 63.04 79.70 20.63 30.56 77.53

126.5
October 166.0 141.32 213.12 185.84 220.09 84.68 361.28 187.03 345.6 107.56
9

431.5
November 208.2 195.97 241.82 256.57 260.55 248.45 287.23 181.90 183.1 293.38
9

153.2
December 111.6 79.52 17.85 56.89 32.37 178.36 19.31 126.16 94.78 168.53
9

Total 1339.7 985.9

814.8 765.40 816.83 900.37 994.48 971.49 1179.66 920.54 873.6
Rainfall 6 3

Month Normal 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

January 50.2 25.26 40.54 2.19 57.20 4.75 4.85 38.56

February 30.2 46.37 29.03 98.50 9.24 13.48 6.31 3.44

March 41.3 40 35.95 142.14 60.30 71.80 10.62 40.29

April 59.8 65 65.12 24.94 36.28 133.36 14.26 19.63

May 38.0 4.25 9.82 25.72 206.55 93.09 80.23 61.75

June 29.6 63.31 2.31 103.92 7.88 56.32 71.72 50.1

July 26.4 22.08 15.68 46.58 12.98 13.15 24.23 5.3

August 23.3 23.43 12.66 28.35 52.52 10.55 1.15 40.9

September 30.2 14.93 8.35 41.05 38.45 71.62 0.38 116.3

October 166.0 311.84 304.41 57.01 391.66 234.59 47.22 83.6

November 208.2 275.7 144.8 256.66 316.91 448.89 103.26 344

December 111.6 79.52 100.2 86.80 150.89 269.47 33.22 273.9

Total Rainfall 814.8 971.69 768.87 913.86 1340.86 1421.07 396.95 1077.77

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 9. DETAILS OF MINING LEASES IN THE DISTRICT IN THE DISTRICT

THE LIST OF MINING LEASES IN THE DISTRICT WITH LOCATION, AREA AND PERIOD OF VALIDITY
The commodity/item wise details of mining lease in Tirunelveli District is given below
Details of the existing quarry leases - Multicolor - Granite in Patta lands granted under Rule 19 (A) of Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral
Concession Rules, 1959.
Period of Status (Wor- Obtain-
Period of Method of
mining lease Date of king / Non- ed Location of
Mining Area of mining lease Mining
Name of Address & (1st & 2nd commence Wor-king / Captive / Enviro- the Mining
Sl. Name of the lease grant mining (Initial) (Open
the Contact No. of renewal) ment of Temp. Wor- Non- nmen- tal Lease
No lessee order No. lease cast /
mineral lessee Mining king for Captive Clear- (Latitude &
and date (Ha) Under
From To From To Opera-tion dispatch ance (Yes Longitude)
ground)
etc.) / No)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Tc 36/999 GO.(3D). 08˚10'20"
Srisanth Taluk No.23 -8˚12'00"
Multicolor - Tvl.K.P.Granit Sukumaran
dated: 21.08. 20.08. Open-
1 es India road, 8.03.5 - - 21.08.2003 Non- to
Granite 21.08.200 2003 2023 - No
Peruman working 77˚13'00" cast
thanni 3 -
Tiruvandram 8 77˚14'45"
A/23/5 D.R.O
GO.(3D). No Open-
Multicolor - Thiru. S. No.14 04.07. 03.07.
2. colony , 1.00.0 - - Non- cast
Chandrasekar dated:
2005 2025 -
Granite K.pudur
14.03.200 working
Madurai
5
Thiru. S. No 11 South
GO.(3D).
24.10. 23.10.
No Open-
Multicolor -
3. No.104 1.98.5 - - Non-
Meenakshisu Street,
2005 2025 - cast
Granite
ndaram Tirunelveli
dated: working
17.10.200

16
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 5

GO.(3D). No 08°44'00" Open-

Multicolor - No.20 27.03. 26.03.
4 Tvl. Maruthi, 5.82.0 - - Non- N, cast
Exports
Madurai dated:
2006 2026 -
Granite
30.01.200 working 77°52'00"
6 E
3/2 Pasappa GO.(3D). No Open-
Multicolor - Thiru. G. Cross Road No.74 18.12. 17.12.
5 1.65.5 - - Non- cast
Chandrasekar Santhinagar, dated:
2006 2026 -
Granite
Bangalore 1.11.2006 working

Melanmai GO.(3D). No Open-

Pankutharar, No. 22
14, Krishna dated:5.02 cast
Multicolor - Tvl. Guru 12.03. 11.03.
6 Puram .2007 1.30.5 - - Non-
Granite
Bagavan
2007 2027 -
Granites
Colony, working
Krishnapura
m, Madurai-
14.
Melanmai GO.(3D). No Open-
Pankutharar, No.21
14, Krishna dated: 08043'43" cast
Multicolor - Tvl. Guru 12.03. 11.03.
7 Puram 05.02.200 1.28.5 - - - Non- N,
Granite
Bagavan
Colony, 7 2007 2027 -
Granites working 77025'00"
Krishnapura E
m, Madurai-
14.
Melanmai GO. (3D) No Open-
Pankutharar, No.20,
14, Krishna dated: 8044'00" cast
Multicolor - Tvl. Guru 12.03. 11.03.
8 Puram 05.02.200 1.60.0 - - Non- N,
Bagavan
2007 2027 -
Granite
Granites
Colony, 7 working 77029'00"
Krishnapura E
m, Madurai-
14.
Multicolor - Thiru.T. 277, 7th GO.(3D). 07.05. 06.05.
Non- No 77° Open-
9 street, No.49 1.12.0 - - -
Granite Mathimaran, 2007 2027 working 23'53"N,
17
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 2nd Main dated: 08°43'11" cast
Road, 21.03.200 E
Ramesh 7
Nagar,
Virugam
bakkam,
Chennai
W/o.M.Shun GO.(3D)N Open-
mugathevar, o.51
Multicolor - C/6A1, dated:28.3 04.06. 03.06. cast
10 Tmt.M.S. 3.09.5 - - Non-
Granite
Kulavaikar .2007
2007 2027 -
Vallikannu,
puram, working
Ambasamudr
am Road,
2-98/3, 10-B, GO. 9005'50" Open-
Multicolor - Tvl. Sterling Kakatiyanaga (3D).No.3 22.06. 21.06.
11 1.17.5 - - -- Non- N, cast
Granites, Habsiguda, , dated:
2009 2029 -
Granite
Hyderabad. 12.1.2009. working 77040'55"
E
1-7-70, GO.(3D). 08°37'21" Open-
Jupilipura, No17 N to
Khamman – dated: cast
08°37'29"
Multicolor - Tvl. 50 23.06.200 05.09. 04.09.
12 2.20.0 - - - Non- N, and
Granite
Madhucon Andhra 9
2009 2029 -
Granites Ltd., Pradesh. working 77°35'30"
E to
77°35'35"
E
Old No: 69, GO.(3D). 08°49'599 Open-
New: 74, No.26 "N to
Kovalam dated: cast
08°49'620
Multicolor - Road, 24.08.200 01.10. 30.09.
13 Tvl.V.Star 1.66.5 - - Non- "N and
Granite
Mahabali 9
2009 2029 -
Granites
puram, working 77°31'336
Kancheepura "E to
m 77°31'908
"E
14 Multicolor - Tvl. No. 2202 GO.(3D). 1.20.0 08.04. 07.04. - - Non- - Open-

18
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 Granite Chanthraa Adaichani, No.5 2010 2030 working cast
Granites, Ambasa dated:
mudram 15.02.201
0

S/O GO.(3D). Open-

Kasilingam No.8
Chettiar, dated: cast
Multicolor - Thiru. P.K. 21, Vignesh 03.02.201 21.02. 20.02.
15 1.05.0 - - Non-
Granite
Balamurugan, Colony, 1
2011 2031 -
Pullalakottai working
Road,
Virudhunagar
.
Madurai. GO. (3D) 08023'02 Open-
Multicolor - M/s. SRP No. 17 13.07. 12.07.
16 2.06.0 - - Non- 6"N, cast
Rock dated:
2012 2032 -
Granite
Exports, 02.07.201 working 77041'25
2 2"E
No. 9/33, G.O (3D) Open-
Moulana N0. 20,
Sahib Street, Industries cast
Multicolor - M/s. 16.12. 15.12.
17 Annanagar, (MME-2) 2.44.0 - - Non-
Granite
Chendhur
Madurai Departme 2013 2033 -
Rocks, working
nt, Dated:
22.11.201
3
M/s Siva Sivakasi G.O (3D) Open-
Jeyam N0. 10,
Granites, Industries 8°16'53"N cast
Multicolor - 11.03. 10.03.
18 (MME-2) 3.42.5 - - Non- and
2014 2034 -
Granite Departme working 077°46'52
nt, Dated: "E
04.03.201
4
Multicolor - M/s. Jagajyoti Door No.131, G.O (3D) 31.05. 30.05. 09°01'52" Open-
19 Tie Up Pvt Cotton, N0. 13, 4.10.0 - - Non-
2014 2034 - N to
Granite
Ltd., Kolkata, Industries working cast
09°02'00"
19
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 West Bengal (MME-2) N and
77°33'43"
E to
Departme
77°33'51"
nt, Dated:
21.05.201 E
4
Tvl. Guru Melanmai G.O. (3D) 08°25'36" Open-
Bagavan Pankutharar, No. 4, N to
Granites 14, Krishna Industries cast
08°25'33"
Multicolor - Puram (MME-2) 03.06. 02.06.
20 1.38.5 - - Non- N and
Colony, Departme
2014 2034 -
Granite
Krishnapura nt, Dated: working 77°48'02"
m, Madurai- 18.02.201 E to
14. 4 77°48'09"
E
Thiru.M.Moh S/o. G.O (3D) 08°16'04" Open-
amed Mohaideen N0. 33, N to
Salarutheen, Abdulkadar, Industries cast
08°16'13"
Multicolor - No. 99/1, (MME-2) 18.12. 17.12.
21 4.85.9 - - Non- N and
Noor Veera Departme
2015 2035 -
Granite
2nd Street, nt, Dated: working 77°44'29"
Nungambakk 13.11.201 E to
am, Chennai 5 77°44'39"
– 600 034 E
Thiru.P.Krish S/o. G.O. (3D) 8°29'19.8 Open-
namoorthi, P.Periasamy, No. 49, "N to
No. 5J/11, Industries cast
8°29'14.9
Multicolor - Bharathiyarp (MME-2) 07.01. 06.01.
22 1.46.5 - - Non- "N and
uram, Melur Departme
2016 2036 -
Granite
– 625 106, nt, Dated: working 77°35'31.
Madurai 30.12.201 4"E to
District 5 77°35'26.
7"E
Tvl. Baahula No: 8-2- G.O. (3D) 08°25'36" Open-
Multicolor - Minerals, 684/25 & 26, No. 3, 12.04. 11.04.
Non- N to cast
23 Road No.12, Industries 4.84.0 - - -
Granite 2017 2037 working 08°25'28"
Banjara Hills, (MME-2)
Hyderabad - Departme N and
20
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 500 034, nt, Dated: 77°48'45"
Telengana 22.03.201 E to
State 7 77°48'35"
E
Tvl. 41, 4th Street, G.O. (3D) 08°32'09" Open-
K.A.S.Rock Suyarajjyapur No. 59, N to
Exports, No: am, Sellur, Industries cast
08°23'03"
Multicolor - Madurai – (MME-2) 12.04. 11.04.
24 2.44.0 - - Non- N and
Granite
625002. Departme
2017 2037 -
nt, Dated: working 77°40'56"
05.08.201 E to
6 77°40'50"
E
Thiru.M.Ravi No,3/559A/2, G.O. (3D) Open-
chandran, Rajalakshmi No. 35,
Proprietor of Towers, By- Industries 09°11'43" cast
D.N.Granites Pass Road, (MME-2) to
Multicolor - Inam Departme 06.04. 05.04. 09°11'35"
25 4.05.5 - - Non-
Maniyachi, nt, Dated:
2017 2037 - and
Granite
Lakshmipura 04.07.201 working
77°40'09"
m, Kovilpatti 6 to
– 628 502,
77°40'01"
Thoothukudi
District
Thiru.P.Ilayar S/o. G.O. (3D) 8°29'18.5 Open-
aja, P.Periyasamy No. 61, "N to
, No. 5J/10, Industries cast
8°29'14.0
Multicolor - Bharathiyarp (MME-2) 02.06. 01.06.
26 1.46.0 - - Non- "N and
uram, Melur Departme
2017 2037 -
Granite
– 625 106, nt, working 77°35'35.
Madurai Dated: 1"E to
District. 22.08.201 77°35'30.
6 1"E
Thiru.P.Arunr S/o. G.O. (3D) 8°29’66” Open-
Multicolor - aja, P.Periyasamy No. 60, 02.06. 01.06.
27 1.08.3 - - - Non- Nand cast
Granite
, No. 5J/11, Industries
2017 2037 - -
Bharathiyarp (MME-2) working 77°35’21”
uram, Melur Departme E

21
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 – 625 106, nt,
Madurai Dated:
22.08.201
6

Details of the existing quarry leases - Multicolour - Granite in Poromboke lands granted under Rule 8 (C) of Tamil Nadu Minor
Mineral Concession Rules, 1959.
Period of Status (Wor- Obtain-
Period of Method of
mining lease Date of king / Non- ed Location of
Mining Area of mining lease Mining
Name of Address & (1st & 2nd commence Wor-king / Captive / Enviro- the Mining
Sl. Name of the lease grant mining (Initial) (Open
the Contact No. of renewal) ment of Temp. Wor- Non- nmen- tal Lease
No lessee order No. lease cast /
mineral lessee Mining king for Captive Clear- (Latitude &
and date (Ha) Under
From To From To Opera-tion dispatch ance (Yes Longitude)
ground)
etc.) / No)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Tvl. Tamil GO.(3D).

Multicolor - Chennai No.10 28.01. 27.01. Open-
1 Nadu Minerals 9.21.0 - - Non-
Granite
dated:
2004 2024 - No
23.01.200 working cast
Ltd.,
4
Tvl. Tamil GO.Ms.N 20.39. 4.04.2 03.04. 77°35'35" Open-
Multicolor - Chennai o. 5 005 2035 Non- N to
2. Nadu Minerals - - - No cast
Granite 13, dated: working 77°35'45"
Ltd., 27.1.2005.
N

22
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 GO.(3D). 66.07. 27.06. Open-
Tvl. Tamil 8°45'27.3
Multicolor -
No1 0 2006 26.06.
Chennai Non- 4"N and cast
3. Nadu Minerals dated: - - - No
Granite
28.02.200 2036 working 77°25'58.
Ltd.,
6. 48"E
Tvl. Tamil GO.(3D). 22.50. 01.03. 28.02. 8°41'49.2 Open-
Multicolor - Chennai No.29, 0 2011 2041
4 Nadu Minerals - - Non- 2"N and cast
dated: - No
Granite
25.02.201 working 77°24'58.
Ltd.,
1 28"E
G.O. (3D) 4.81.5 20.02. 19.0 Open-
No.60, 2.20
2012
Tvl. Tamil Ind., 42 8°44'43"N cast
Multicolor - Chennai
5 Nadu Minerals (MME1) - - Non- and
Granite Dept., - No
working 77°33'52"
Ltd., dated: E
29.11.201
1.

23
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 10.DETAILS OF ROYALTY OR REVENUE IN LASR THREE YEAR
STATEMENT SHOWING THE MINERALWISE PRODUCTION AND REVENUE REALISED
FOR THE PERIOD FROM 2015-16 TO 2017-18

Details of mining leases in patta and poromboke lands in the district.

Sl. Name of the No.of Existing

Classification of Land
No. Mineral leases
1 Multi Colour Patta land 29
Granite Poromboke land (M/s.TAMIN) 09

Details of royalty/Seiniorage fee released in the last three years.

Sl. Name of the mineral Royalty/Seiniorage fee collected (In Rupees)

No. 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
1 Multi Colour Granite 48474550 39265289 19077413

11 Details of production of Minor Minerals in last three years.

Sl. Name of the mineral Quantity produced (Cubic meter)

No. 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
1 Multi Colour Granite 22100.403 58851.373 9707.522

24
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 12. MINERAL MAP OF DISTRICT:

25
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 13.0 LIST OF LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) HOLDER IN THE DISTRICT ALONG WITH ITS VALIDITY
Location
of the
Address & Area of
Name Letter of Intent Use Mining
Sl. Name of the Contact No. of Mining lease Validity
of the Grant Order Extent (Captive/Non- lease
No Lessee Letter of Intent to be of LoI
Mineral No. & date Captive) (Latitude
Holder allotted
&
Longitude)

- - - - - - - - - -

26
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 14. TOTAL MINERAL RESERVE AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT

The District Collector has vested with powers for the grant of licence for minor
minerals like Granite, Rough Stone, Brick Earth and Gravel in patta lands as per Rule
19 of TNMMCR 1959. The minor minerals noticed in poromboke lands are leased out
through tender cum auction system. With regard to major minerals, in patta lands
powers vested with Commissioner of Geology and Mining for the grant of mining
leases. In poromboke lands power is vested with Government. Apart from major
minerals, the minor minerals like Rough stone, Earth /gravel are noticed.
15. QUALITY /GRADE OF MINERAL AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT.
15.1. Dimension stone occurrences in Tirunelveli District
Developmental activities in respect of dimension stone deposits such as exploration,
exploitation, processing and export is so advanced in Tamil Nadu, and it merits distinct entity
and narration. Practically every major lithotype of the Precambrian shield is a dimension
stone variety, finding extensive use in building industry. Tirunelveli district is mainly
composed of hard crystalline rocks of Khondalite and Charnockite Group of Late Archean (~
2600 Ma) which are normally used as dressed stones, ballast and jelly.

15.2. Leptynite (Ambai/Melur/Kashmir White) deposit in Tirunelveli District

Leptynite (Garnetiferrous Leucogranite) the visual display of garnet in the pure white
quartzo-feldspathic matrix is appealing and aesthetic around commercial buyers and users. In
spite of its high degree of intercalations with charnockite on one hand and granitoid gneiss on
the other hand, leptynite at its core has retained its mineralogy and texture.
During this field work notable leptynite occurrences in localities of
Kallidaikkurichchi, Ekambarapuram, Balapathiramapuram, Melakarai, Mannarkovil,
Therkusankarankovil, Muthoor, Poonkudiyakulam, Adachani, Kadambodu valvu,
Vijayanagaram, Kurivikulam, Nanguneri, Mel Nambitope and Pottaiyadi areas are recorded
(Field photo 8-10).
In some of the above localities this is extensively quarried as Ambai
(Ambasamudram) white by M/s. TAMIN Ltd and several other private entrepreneurs and
exported. The rock is well foliated, fine grained quartzo-feldspathic layers alternating
medium to coarse grained quartzo-feldspathic layers containing garnet as discrete grains and
27
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 in streaks. Biotite occurs as minute flakes in the form of needles and as concentrated streaks
imparting pale greenish colour to the rock type.
Near Pappankulam (08°40’11.6”,77°27’46.3”) and Terku Kalidaikurichhi
Garnetiferous leucogranite (Leptynite) is emplaced in charnockite at where this granite body
runs more than 500m length and the width varies from 40 to 50m. They trend in N50°W –
S50°E with moderate dip towards SW. Garnets are aligned parallel (preferred orientation) to
regional foliation. This quartz vein occurs as patches within grey granite (Field Photo-7).
Garnet bearing leuco granite gneiss exposed aound Sivandipuram (08°43’25.6”,
77°25’28.7”) is leucocratic; medium grained and shows gneissic structure. Near Kannanallur
and Kasthurirangapuram of Radhapuram Taluk, good quality these dimension stone deposits
can be successfully exploited provided judicious planning in selection of quarrying sites and
adopting correct quarrying techniques. Resource estimation of the material is around 11,000
cbm.

Field Photo 7: Hangsaw sizes of Garnetiferrous Field Photo 8: Garnetiferrous leuco granite is mined
granite are mined by Tamilnadu Minerals by private agencies near Balapathiramapuram, Veera
Limited, Pappankulam. (08°40’11.6” Keralampudur Taluk.
77°27’46.3”)

Field Photo 9: Dimension blocks mined near Field Photo 10: NW-SE trending garnetiferrous
Muthoor east of Palayamkottai. quarzto-feldapthic (Leptynite) traced around
((08°39’56.8”,77°47’49.1”), Poonkudiyarkulam of Ambasamudram Block.

28
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 In Kallidaikurichi-Ambasamudram area, leptynite has typical flow design where
quartz content is medium, often pale grey or vitreous. Feldspars which appear to be of
different generations exhibit variations in colour-pale grey, pale white, milky white and
vitreous. Biotite is distinctly pale green in colour. Massivity is generally good with wide
spaced joints. Fractures and hairline cracks are less. Basic patches and anomalous mineral
segregations are uncommon.
Near Sanganthiradu and Adachani this leptynite variety does not with stand flame
cutting, resulting in the development of hairline cracks and mafic patches. Several massive
zones were seen abandoned due to flame cutting and subsequent development of hairline
cracks.
In Nanguneri- Radhapuram Taluks, Kadambodu valavu-Nambithailvanpatti-
Vijyanagaram-Kannanalur blocks shows leptynite bands displaying a unique design pattern
wherein streaky biotite layers display folded, feathery and stellar designs probably due to
extreme shearing. At the apical portions of the folded biotite layers, garnet in coarse
aggregates occurs. Leaching of the biotite layers leaves behind pale to dark brown peripherals
which remain behind, even after polishing. However at depth, the rock is expected to be
fresh. This kind of design pattern is restricted to a leptynite band of 75m length and 25 m
width. Depth persistence is expected up to 20m. The band possesses favourable traits for
dimension stone quarrying. Resource estimation of this variety is around 3,000 cbm is
calculated in the area.

15.7. Granitoid gneiss dimension stone occurrences in Tirunelveli district

Granitoid gneiss, in its intricate intercalations with leptynite, has produced a
dimension stone variety similar to world famous Tropical Juparana. Gneissosity is
pronounced imparting well defined flow pattern. Biotite gneiss layer with pink feldspar and
garnet aggregates alternates with leptynite layer/streaks/lensoid bodies. Leptynite exhibits,
not pure white colour but pale yellow or pale green colour. Garnet as discrete grains or as
aggregates is evenly distributed throughout the rock type, giving a pleasant speckled
appearance. Areas of massive zones, capable of yielding dimension stone blocks, occur in
localities Sivandiyapuram, Pottaiyadi, Devanallur and Erukalapatti of Nanguneri-Valliyur
blocks. A rough resource estimation of granitoid gneiss is calculated for about 37,500 cbm in
the above area done by Rajaram and Mullaivendhan of GSI during 1999-2000.

29
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 Field photo-11. Garnetiferrous quartz-biotite
gneiss exposed west of Nanguneri village

Stretched out grains of blue quartz occur in the leptynite bands which bring out an
overall pale blue tinge to the rock type on polishing. Biotite rich layers are prominent,
Enclosing within them abundant oval or rounded grains of garnet. Along with flowpattern, a
broad wavy pattern also exists thereby making the material an attractively designed
dimension stone variety. It is seen near west of Nanguneri and south of Sivandhiyapuram
(Field photo-11). The rough resource estimation in this area is around 8,000 cbm. As such no
mining activity is started in the district of this ‘tiger skined’ granitoid gneiss in the
Tirunelveli district.
16. USE OF MINERAL
Granites are quarried for dimensional stones. Charnockite and granitic
gneisses are extensively quarried as rough stone which is used as aggregates for
construction of building,

30
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 17. DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF THE MINERAL IN LAST THREE YEARS
Demand and Supply of the Minerals in the Last Three years.
Sl. Name of
No. the Demand Supply Demand Supply Demand Supply
mineral 2015-16 2015-16 2016-17 2016-17 2017-18 2017-18
1. Multi
Colour 22100.403 22100.403 58851.373 58851.373 9707.522 9707.522
Granite

18.0 MINING LEASE MARKED ON THE MAP OF THE DISTRICT

31
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 19.0 Details of the area where there is a cluster of mining leases viz.,
number of mining leases, location (latitude & longitude)
As per the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Notification No. S.O. 3933(E) dated 18.12.2017, the quarries situated in the

following villages are in cluster situation and to follow the conditions

stipulated in the Government of India Notification.

Sl. No Taluk Village

1. Alangulam Vengatampatti - II
Maruthampudur - I
A.P. Nadanoor
2. Kadayanallur Ariyanayagipuram
3. Manur Pirancheri
Vagaikulam
Kanarpatti
4. Palayamkottai Tharuvai
5. Radhapuram Irukkandurai
Therkku Karunkulam
Kasthurirengapuram Part - II
6. Tirunelveli Kodaganallur
Gangaikondan Part - I & II
7. V.K.Pudur Surandai - I

20. DETAILS OF ECO-SENSITIVE AREA.

The Indian board for Wildlife in its ‘Wildlife Conservation Strategy-2002’ envisaged ‘lands
falling within 10 km of the boundaries of National parks and sanctuaries should be notified as
eco-fragile zones under section 3 (v) of the Environment (Protection) Act and Rule 5 Sub rule
(vii) & (x) of the Environment (Protection) Rules’. With concerns over applicability of the 10
km range, the National Board for Wildlife decided that ‘delineation of eco-sensitive zones
would have to be site specific and relate to regulation, rather than prohibition, of specific
activities’.

32
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 The purpose of declaring Eco-sensitive zones around National Parks and sanctuaries
is to create some kind of ‘Shock Absorber’ for the protected areas and they would also act as
a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.

18.1 Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary

Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary spread over an area of 35,673.33 ha comes under Tenkasi,
Shenkottai, Kadayanallur, and sivagiri taluk of Tirunelveli District in Tamilnadu.

(Eco Sensitive Zones are showed in Red and Yellow dotted lines in this figure)
18.2 Gangaikondan spotted Deer Sanctuary
Gangaikondan spotted Deer Sanctuary spread over an area of 288.40 ha comes under
Tirunelveli taluk of Tirunelveli District in Tamilnadu. It is located at on the N.H.7 towards
Kanyakumari to Madurai.

33
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 (Eco Sensitive Zones are showed in Red and Yellow dotted lines in this figure)
18.3 Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary spread over an area of 129.33 ha comes under Nanguneri taluk of
Tirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu and comprises of two fresh water wetlands, namely
Koonthankulam and Kadankulam. It is located at Koonthankulam village, about 15 km west of
Nanguneri and 35 km from Tirunelveli city. The approach road from Tirunelveli is through
Moolakaraipatti, which is 6kms away from the sanctuary.

34
Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 (Eco Sensitive Zones are showed in Red and Yellow dotted lines in this figure)

21. IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT (AIR, WATER, NOISE, SOIL, FLORA &
FAUNA, LAND USE, AGRICULTURE, FOREST ETC.) DUE TO MINING
ACTIVITY

Mining and allied operations may affect the existing environmental setup in the area
unless proper mitigation measures are not taken. Hence it is essential to assess the
impacts of mining on various environmental parameters so that abatement measures could
be planned in advance for systematic, sustainable and eco-friendly mining in the area.

21.1 Air Environment

The mining and allied operations may cause deterioration of air quality due to
pollution if prompt care is not taken. The principal sources of air pollution in general due
to mining and allied activities will be the dust generation in the mine due to:

 Excavation of Minerals and overburden.

 Movement of HEMM such as Excavators, tippers etc.
 Loading and unloading operation
 Overburden & Mineral transportation
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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 Besides the above mentioned fugitive dust emissions, atmospheric pollution can occur
as a result of emission of SO2, NOx, CO etc., from diesel driven mining equipment,
compressors, generator sets, etc. Larger suspended particles are generally filtered in the
nose and throat and do not cause problems.

Particulate matter smaller than 10 microns, referred to as PM10, can settle in the
bronchi and lungs and cause health problems like Bronchitis, Emphysema, Bronchial
Asthma, Irritation of mucus membranes of eyes, etc. Particles smaller than 2.5
micrometers (PM2.5), tend to penetrate into the lungs and very small particles (<100
nanometers) may pass through the lungs to affect other organs.

21.2 Water Environment

The major sources of water pollution normally associated due to mining and allied
operations are:
 Generation of industrial effluent water from workshop, service building.
 Disturbance to drainage course or water bodies in the project area, if any.
 Washouts from waste dumps / embankment, if any.
 Domestic effluent
 Mine discharge water pumped out from opencast mines, if any and effect on
ground water table.

Direct impact on human beings due to poor water quality consequent to mining
operation can lead to various water borne diseases like diarrhea, jaundice, dysentery,
typhoid, etc. Besides, the polluted water may not be useful for animal or human
consumption, vegetation and may affect aquatic life, if effluents are not properly treated
to remove the harmful pollutants.

21.3 Noise & Vibration

The impact prediction and control measure for noise environment due to mining and
allied activities are described below:

Noise is one of the inevitable causes of pollution in mining operations, largely due to
the extensive mechanization adopted. Since the Limekankar/Clay (others) in the District
is in friable form, no drilling and blasting is required for the excavation. Hence the major
source of noise will be from the equipment‟s, such as, Excavation, loading & unloading
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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 & movement of vehicles, etc. will produce noise of considerable magnitude in mining
operations. Prolonged exposure to a high noise level is harmful to the human auditory
system and can create mental fatigue, rebellious attitude, annoyance and carelessness,
which may lead to neglect of work and also result in accidents.

The Limekankar/Clay (others) in this region is in friable form and can be excavated
directly by using hydraulic excavator and there will not be any drilling and blasting
involved in the mining operation. Hence, vibration due to blasting is not envisaged.

21.4 Impact on Land Environment

Due to mining and its allied activities there will some changes to the pre mining land
status due to the following activities:
 Excavation of Ore and Waste / Overburden.
 Temporary side casting / Backfilling of Waste / Overburden.
 Construction of infrastructure facilities such as, office, road. Site services, etc.

21.5 Impact on Biological Environment

The major possible impact on biological environment due to mining are given below

 Clearance of vegetation due to mining and allied activities

 Retardation of tree growth, tip burning, etc., due to deposition of dust and the
Particulate matter generated from the mining operation.
 Presence of Schedule-I fauna in the mining area
 Proposed impact on surface water quality that also provides water to wildlife
 Risk of fall/slip or cause death to wild animals due to project activities
 The project releases effluents into water bodies that also supplies water to wildlife
 Diversion of Agricultural lands for mining
 Diversion of Forest Lands for mining

22. REMEDIAL MEASURES TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF MINING ON THE

ENVIRONMENT
The following remedial measures to be taken during mining
22.1. Remedial Measures to mitigate Air Pollution
 Water sprinkling on mineral transport road from the mines to the main road
 Black topping of the main transportation roads to the possible extent

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
  Avoiding crowding of trucks by properly spacing them to avoid the concentration
of dust emission at any time
 Covering the trucks by tarpaulin sheets during ore transportation
 Proper maintenance of HEMM to minimize gaseous emission
 Imparting sufficient training to operators on safety and environmental parameters
 Proper maintenance of haul road and other roads
 Development of green belt/ plantation around mine, along the roads, backfilled
area, in various undisturbed areas within the mine lease areas etc.

22.2. Remedial Measures to mitigate Water Pollution

 Industrial effluent treatment systems wherever necessary to be introduced and

maintained properly.
 Saftey barriers to be provided for all water bodies and no mining activities should
be carried out in the safety barrier area
 Mitigative measures like construction of garland drains formation of earth bunds
to be followed in the waste dumping areas to avoid wash off.
 Domestic effluents to be treated in scientific manner.
 Required statutory clearances to be obtained and all precautionary measures to be
adopted wherever punping of ground water is involved.

22.3 Remedial Measures to reduce Noise & Vibration

 Planting rows of native trees around mine, along the roads, other noise generating
centres to act as acoustic barriers.
 Sound proof operator’s cabin for equipment like Excavators, tippers etc.
 Proper and regular maintenance of equipment may lead to less noise generation.
 Air silencers of suitable type that can modulate the noise of the engines of
machinery to be utilized and will be maintained effectively.
 Providing in-built mechanism for reducing sound emissions.
 Providing earmuffs to workers exposed to higher noise level and to those persons
operating or working close to any machine.
 Conducting regular health check-up of workers including Audiometric test for the
workers engaged in noise prone area.

22.4 Remedial Measures to reduce Impact on Land Environment

Scientific reclamation measures to be adopted to reduce the impact of land

environment due to mining. Limekankar/Clay(Others) being shallow deposit backfilling
of mined out voids may be practiced to avoid land degradation.

22.5 Remedial Measures to reduce Impact on Biological Environment

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
  The mineral bearing areas in the District is mostly of dry areas, afforestation to be
carried out in the mining areas.
 Necessary mitigative measures like dust suppression, proper maintenance of
equipments, black topping of roads etc., to be carried out to prevent dust
generation & any further impact on the vegetation
 Conservation plan for schedule-I species if any to be prepared in consultation with
Forest Department and the proposals given in the conservation plan to be strictly
implemented.
 Effluents generated in the mining areas to be treated properly.

23. RECLAMATION OF MINED OUT AREA (BEST PRACTICE ALREADY

IMPLEMENTED IN THE DISTRICT, REQUIREMENT AS PER RULES AND
REGULATION, PROPOSED RECLAMATION PLAN)

In the post mining period, the mined out pit it will be used for Rain Water Harvesting.
Waste dumps will be reclaimed with suitable type of plantation with necessory garland
drain system.

24. RISK ASSESSMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan in connection with mining and allied
operations should be spelt out in detail to cover possible dangers
/risks/explosions/accidents, etc. likely to arise from the project operations, including
onsite and off-site emergency plans to meet the disastrous situations if any.

The mine management should be able to deal with the situation efficiently to reduce
confusion keeping in view of the likely sources of danger in the project.

1) Outline of Disaster Management Plan :-

The purpose of disaster management plan is to restore the normalcy for early
resumption of mining operation due to an unexpected, sudden occurrence resulting to an
abnormality in the course of mining activity leading to a serious danger to workers or any
machinery or the environment.

2) System of Communication:-
An internal communication system should be provided. Telephone nos and addresses
of adjoining mines, rescue station, police station, fire service station, local hospital,
electricity supply agency and standing consultative committee members should be
propely updated and displayed.
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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 3) Consultative Committee:-
A standing consultative committee should be formed under the Head of Mines. The
members consists of Mines Manager / Safety Officer / Medical Officer / Public Relation
Officer/ Foreman/ and Environmental Engineer.

4) Facilities & Accommodation:-

Accommodation and facilities for medical centre, rescue room and for various
working groups should be provided. Regular checking of these facilities shall be
undertaken.

5) First Aid & Medical Facilities:-

The mine management should be having first aid / medical centre for use in
emergency situation. All casualties should be registered and should be given first aid. The
centre should have facilities for first aid & minor treatment, resuscitation, ambulance and
transport. Proper telephone / wireless set should be provided for quick communication
with hospitals where the complicated cases are to be referred. Regular checking of these
facilities shall be under taken by the doctor and the in-charge of the first aid room.

6) Stores and Equipment :-

A detailed list of equipment available, its type and capacity and items reserved for
emergency should be maintained.

7) Transport Services:-
A well-defined transport control system should be provided to deal with the situation.

8) Functions of Public Relations Group:-

Liaison with representatives of the mine workers is required to ameliorate the
situation of panic, tension, sentiments, grievances and misgivings created by any disaster.
Management is required to ameliorate the injured, survivors and family members of
affected persons by providing material, finance, moral support and establishing contact
with relatives of victims. The consultative committee formed, especially the nominated
public relation officer shall look into these aspects.

9) Security:-
Manning of security posts is very essential during the disaster management.

10) Catering & Refreshment: -

Arrangement will be made for the victims, rescue teams and others.
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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 25.Details of occupational health issue in the district (last five –year
data of number of patients of silicosis & tuberculosis is also needs to
be submitted)
Number of patients Number of patients treated
Sl.No. Year
treated for silicosis for Tuberculosis
1 2015 Nil Nil
2 2016 Nil Nil
3 2017 Nil Nil
4 2018 Nil Nil
5 2019 Nil Nil

26.Plantation and green belt development in respect of leases already

granted in the district
It is necessary to develop Green belt in and around the polluted site with suitable
species to reduce the air pollution effectively. Implementation of afforestation program is of
paramount importance. In addition to augmenting existing vegetation, it also checks soil
erosion, make the ecosystem more complex and functionally more stable and make the
climate more conductive.
Simultaneous backfilling method will be followed in most of the mining areas. During
the operations, the plantation will be proposed and will be carried out on the safety barrier
areas and also on the mined out and backfilling areas.

27. Any other Information

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project situated in Kudankulam Village,
Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli District as per AERB guidelines No Quarries
can be started within 5 kilo meters radius and will be scrutinised by
Kudankulam Local Committee.

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019
 Conclusion and Recommendations
This District Survey Report has been prepared by doing field work in a short span of
ten working days. The details related to the occurrence of mineral resources and other
data of the district are subject to updation of district mineral inventory from time to time.
It may be periodically done every five (05) years with the help of GSI and other govt/non-
govt geoscience exploration organisations.
Considerable amount of crystalline limestone deposit is the Tirunelveli District is
occurs in Talaiyuttu-Nanjakulam-Terkuseiyanur areas are known from previous histories.
Around Usilangulam, Ottavidu and Tadiyampatti areas, linear band of crystalline limestone is
exposed with quartzite and Charnockite. This area may be taken up for geological survey in
view of future mining prospects. Crystalline limestone occurrences south of Tirunelveli
around Padmaneri-Devanallur-Pottaisutti areas may be reapparaised and to be developed for
cement grade deposits.
Charnockite rock the raw material for the production of building/construction
aggregates, road metal and M-sand is more concentrated spatially. With respect to the
need for public utility is it locally quarried/mined in the entire district proportionately and
to be continued in the same manner.
The entire Tirunelveli district has high hills of quartzite exposed in Talaiyuttu,
Marandai Malai, Reddiyarpatti hill, Krishnapuram-Nochikulam and Uttumalai hills but
due to its high metamorphic nature and its impurities it attracts very less importance. The
River Sand in the Chittar and Tamarabarani River is very small in quantity which cannot
be exploited for public purpose. The gemstone reported in Kalakadu and Manimuthar
Dam area may be explored in collaboration with GSI or any govt organisations.
The introduction of e-permit system and serious implementation of Mineral Dealers
Rule and the despatch slips / transit permits with tampered proof security features will
enhance sustainable mining activity in the district.
GPS/Auto Tags installed tracking of mined out mineral vehicles will fetch more
revenue to the state exchequer and over exploitation.
An appreciable work carried out by Deputy Director (Mines)/ Tirunelveli District and his
office in considering all parameters related to ground geology and environmental issues
before granting of any quarrying lease is highly commendable and to be continued.

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Tirunelveli District Mineral Survey, 2019