Calls for S. Durai Murugan's Resignation Over Sand Mining Scandal: TN BJP
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad has urged the resignation of Mining Minister S. Durai Murugan, alleging that illegal sand mining is rampant with the complicity of state officials. He called for immediate action from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to address this environmental crisis impacting agriculture and groundwater levels.
Key Takeaways
- Durai Murugan urged to resign over corruption allegations.
- Illegal sand mining is rampant in Tamil Nadu.
- Officials implicated in aiding illegal activities.
- Severe impact on agriculture and groundwater.
- Revenue loss estimated between Rs 200 crore and Rs 300 crore.
Chennai, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu BJP representative A.N.S. Prasad has demanded the resignation of state Mining Minister S. Durai Murugan from his position in the Cabinet.
He contended that illegal sand mining is rampant throughout Tamil Nadu, with officials from the Water Resources Department and several district administrations allegedly facilitating this extensive exploitation of the state's resources.
Prasad emphasized that as a consequence, the fertile lands of Tamil Nadu are being severely damaged. He urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take swift measures and dismiss Durai Murugan, who also serves as the Water Resources Minister.
“If the Chief Minister is reluctant to remove a senior minister accused of corruption, then Durai Murugan should take moral responsibility and step down,” Prasad stated.
He pointed out that the inability to control rampant illegal sand mining—conducted without the necessary environmental clearances and legal authorizations—has drastically affected agriculture, groundwater levels, and the livelihoods of farmers.
According to him, Tamil Nadu is witnessing an unprecedented increase in illegal sand mining, asserting that the very minister responsible for water resources is allegedly supporting the individuals involved in this illicit activity, thereby encouraging corrupt officials.
“Despite numerous warnings from the Supreme Court, illegal sand mining persists unchecked across the state. In the Thirukoilur region of Kallakurichi district, sand is being unlawfully transported by trucks using Poclain machines during the night. Alarmingly, this looting occurs near vital drinking water supply projects intended for local villages and industries,” he claimed.
He accused the extensive excavation of riverbeds of posing a significant threat to groundwater levels. Similarly, in the coastal area of Mullakadu in Tuticorin district, illegal soil extraction using Poclain machines has resulted in unauthorized daily sales worth crores of rupees.
Reports indicate that a single truckload of illegally mined sand is sold for between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000, causing an estimated revenue loss of Rs 200 crore to Rs 300 crore for the Tamil Nadu government.
He noted that despite these blatant violations being reported in newspapers and on television, the district administration, the Water Resources Department, and other state officials have remained silent.
This inaction suggests complicity in the illegal trade.
“In the past, media coverage has extensively highlighted illegal sand mining in districts like Madurai, Tiruppur, and Thiruvallur. Due to the state government’s ongoing negligence, this illegal activity has now spread to Kallakurichi and Tuticorin,” he concluded.
