Residents protest operation of stone quarry near Vandavasi
Residents, mostly farmers and traders, in Padur, Madhura, and Ayyapakkam villages in Tiruvannamalai protested against the operation of a stone quarry in Vandavasi on Tuesday
Residents, mostly farmers and traders, in Padur, Madhura, and Ayyapakkam villages in Tiruvannamalai protested against the operation of a stone quarry in Vandavasi on Tuesday. Residents in the affected village said that they were successful in restricting the setting up of new quarries all these years. They have been demanding closure of the existing stone quarry near Vandavasi as farmlands were affected due to pollution of groundwater around the stone quarry. “Continuous movement of lorries from the stone quarry had damaged village roads.
Accidents also have become regular on the pothole-ridden stretches,” said V. Gopi, a resident. Located on Vandavasi Main Road and in Padur, Madhura, and Ayyapakkam villages are sprawling farming villages with an average of 1,600 acres under cultivation. The village has around 4,800 voters, who depend on farming for their livelihood. Four lakes and a few ponds help recharge groundwater and irrigation in these villages. Residents said that the existing stone quarry has polluted water bodies and groundwater.
It has affected agriculture in surrounding villages as water has become unfit for irrigation. Continuous trips by lorries and trucks have badly damaged village roads. Regular blasts in the quarry also affect senior citizens and children. Huge stone pieces from the quarry fall onto the farmlands during such blasts. The bus services have been affected due to damage to stretches. Officials of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) said that at present, around 150 quarries, mostly stone quarries, operate in the district.
Most quarries are located in Cheyyar, Vembakkam, Polur, and Chetpet that were well-connected with adjoining districts. On being informed of the protest, local police and revenue officials reached the spot and pacified the residents, who dispersed peacefully. Officials said that steps will be taken to regularise the operation of the stone quarry and trucks involved in the transportation of stones from the unit.
The BriefWire