Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

Drive against illegal sand quarrying intensified

By Our Staff Reporter

MADURAI, JULY 18. The district administration has intensified the drive to curb illegal sand quarrying. It has warned of stringent action against those involved in the nefarious trade.

Official sources said that removing sand from the riverbanks or plundering the mineral resources was an offence. The authorities would initiate criminal proceedings against the transgressors. The owners of the land situated close to the riverbanks were warned not to provide footpaths to the wrong doers to transport the sand.

The permits of the lorries engaged in clandestinely lifting sand would be cancelled, and the bullock carts seized, the officials said.

Officials of the Mines Department recently seized 16 lorries for illegally carrying sand or stones from quarries, and 11 bullock carts that carried the sand were fined. The bulls and cart owners were, however, let off.

In an effort at curbing such incidents, the officials have formed flying squads, two each for the Madurai and Usilampatti revenue divisions. These squads have been authorised to prevent unlawful quarrying and plundering of mineral resources. They would also ensure that the licensees carried the minerals in permissible quantities.

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• More funds for doubling of Madurai-Dindigul line sought
• Govt. urged to improve the lot of Dalits
• `Register cane for mills'
• Drive against illegal sand quarrying intensified
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