CHENNAI: PWD Minister Durai Murugan on Friday said sand quarrying was now under the direct control of the Government. No private operator was involved.

He told reporters here that in the previous regime, a private operator was active "behind the scene." It was government-run only in name. Now officials handled the operation. Excess PWD staff had been redeployed for the duties.

Dismissing charges of inflated sand price, he said these were isolated instances.

The Government had identified more quarrying sites. The idea was to flood the market to stabilise the price.

Hoarders warned

He warned those hoarding sand. If detected, the sand would be seized and action initiated. Any official found to be in league with the illegal operators would be severely dealt with.

He said there was no need for sand movement in the night since mining activities were on from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Action would be initiated against owners of trucks carrying sand without proper permit. Repeating the offence would result in cancellation of permit.

The Minister said with these steps, sand would be available on demand. Mining would be carried out by minimising ecological damage to the river. There were instructions not to carry out quarrying near bridges and causeways.

The department had specified depths to which sand could be mined.

Mr. Durai Murugan said water had been released from many reservoirs and lakes for agricultural operations. The position was comfortable and there was no shortage anywhere.

Water sharing issues

The Minister said Tamil Nadu wanted to deal with issues relating to water sharing with neighbouring States in a cordial atmosphere. Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi would write to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart on the Krishna water.

The Kandaleru dam now had enough water.

The PWD had taken up repair of canal stretches that had caved in.

Recalling Mr. Karunanidhi's meetings with the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Karnataka, he said they were aimed at resolving outstanding issues through talks.

On Cauvery, he said after a much persuasion, lawyer Parasaran had agreed to appear for the final arguments. The State expected the tribunal verdict in August.

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