NewKerala.com

Key Points

PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss has strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu government's plan to open new sand quarries across the state. He accused the government of environmental negligence and highlighted massive over-extraction of sand beyond approved limits. Ramadoss warned of sustained protests and urged the state to seek sustainable alternatives for construction needs. The PMK leader emphasized the urgent need to protect Tamil Nadu's ecological balance and prevent irreversible environmental damage.

Key Points: Anbumani Ramadoss Warns Against TN Sand Quarry Expansion

  • PMK opposes new sand quarries in Tamil Nadu
  • ED data reveals massive over-extraction of sand
  • Ramadoss warns of sustained protests
  • Environmental concerns highlighted in state mining policy
2 min read

PMK urges TN govt to scrap plans for new sand quarries, warns of protests

PMK leader challenges Tamil Nadu govt's sand mining plans, alleging environmental destruction and regulatory violations

"The government should either import sand from abroad or promote the use of artificial sand for construction - Anbumani Ramadoss"

Chennai, May 25

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President and former Union Minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, has opposed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to open new sand quarries across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ramadoss urged the DMK-led state government to immediately abandon the proposal and warned that PMK would launch sustained protests if the existing quarries are not shut down.

He accused the state government of environmental negligence, alleging that hills in the southern districts and the Kongu region are being destroyed to extract minerals, which are then smuggled to Kerala.

Simultaneously, he claimed, illegal river sand mining continues unchecked throughout the state.

"The PMK's position is clear and unwavering — all sand quarries in Tamil Nadu must be closed. The government should either import sand from abroad or promote the use of artificial sand for construction. But it cannot be allowed to turn Tamil Nadu into a desert by permitting indiscriminate sand mining," Ramadoss asserted.

He also raised strong objections to the state government's reported plans to open more than 20 new sand quarries in 13 districts.

Highlighting the environmental risks and alleged regulatory violations, he referred to the data presented in the Madras High Court by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which revealed widespread over-extraction in existing quarries.

"In 2023, the government officially permitted the opening of 25 sand quarries with an approved capacity of 7.51 lakh units. However, the ED's submission before the High Court disclosed that a total of 27.70 lakh units of sand had actually been mined — nearly four times the sanctioned amount. This blatant violation exposes the scale of unchecked and illegal sand mining occurring under the state government oversight," he said.

The PMK leader reiterated that if the state government proceeds with its expansion plans, it would face large-scale public opposition.

He emphasised the need to safeguard Tamil Nadu's ecological balance and urged the state government to seek sustainable alternatives to meet the state's construction needs without causing irreversible environmental damage.

He concluded his statement by warning that PMK will intensify its protest if the state government fails to act responsibly and protect the state's natural resources.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
PMK is absolutely right here! We've seen how reckless sand mining destroyed rivers in North India. TN government must listen before it's too late. Why can't they promote M-sand technology like Karnataka did? #SaveOurRivers
P
Priya M.
While I agree with environmental concerns, completely banning sand quarries isn't practical. Construction industry will suffer and costs will skyrocket. Government should focus on STRICT monitoring instead of knee-jerk reactions. Balance is needed!
S
Suresh V.
ED's report shows shocking violations! 4 times over extraction means someone is making huge money illegally. This is daylight robbery of our natural resources. DMK government should explain who's benefiting from this scam. 😡
L
Lakshmi R.
As someone from Kongu region, I've seen our hills disappear truck by truck. Politicians only wake up before elections. PMK may be late but at least they're raising this issue. Our future generations will pay the price for this greed.
A
Arjun T.
Importing sand is not the solution! Have we learned nothing from the Maldives sand crisis? We need better local solutions - stricter regulations, technology for sustainable mining, and promoting alternative materials. Jai Hind!
K
Kavitha P.
Why is sand being smuggled to Kerala? Isn't this interstate smuggling? Both state governments need to coordinate. This shows failure of federal cooperation. Center should intervene if states can't protect shared natural resources.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50