Shortly after environmental activist Mugilan called on the state government to retract the tender notification and auction for the leasing of quarrying multi-colour granite stones in Sekkipatti, Ayyapatti, and Thiruchunai villages near Melur in Madurai district, District Collector M S Sangeetha announced that the proposed auction scheduled for November 30 has been scrapped.

During a press conference, Mugilan had cautioned the government that if the tender notification and auction were not withdrawn, residents of the three villages would take legal action. He argued that the tender notification for quarry leases lacked legal sustainability as it violated rules and norms. Additionally, he highlighted the proximity of the proposed quarry sites to residential areas, temples, archaeological sites, and water bodies.

Mugilan emphasised the ecological significance of the area, which is home to the endangered slender loris, and advocated for its designation as a biodiversity heritage site. He warned that granting quarry leases in these areas would negatively impact agricultural activities.

Despite these concerns, Mugilan criticised the lack of transparency in the tender process, noting the absence of a public hearing. He mentioned that the district administration had issued the tender notification and auction without considering these crucial factors.

Mugilan revealed that, following a protest by villagers in October, the initially scheduled auction on October 31 was postponed to November 30. However, despite ongoing protests by the villagers, no steps were taken to withdraw the notification.

In response, the collector issued a statement explaining that applications were invited for the lease of quarrying multi-colour granite stones for a 20-year period, with the auction initially scheduled for October 31. Due to administrative reasons, the auction was later postponed to November 30. The collector clarified that, for similar administrative reasons, the auction has now been cancelled.