Should the TN government reconsider its plans for new sand quarries?
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Synopsis
In a fervent plea, PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss urges the Tamil Nadu government to halt plans for new sand quarries, warning of potential protests. He highlights severe environmental concerns and illegal activities surrounding sand mining. The PMK insists on safeguarding Tamil Nadu's ecological balance and exploring sustainable alternatives for construction needs.
Key Takeaways
- PMK opposes new sand quarries in Tamil Nadu.
- Environmental degradation is a major concern.
- Illegal sand mining activities are widespread.
- PMK calls for sustainable construction alternatives.
- Public protests are likely if the government proceeds with its plans.
Chennai, May 25 (NationPress) The President of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and former Union Minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, has voiced his strong opposition to the Tamil Nadu government's initiative to establish new sand quarries throughout the state.
In a statement released on Saturday, Ramadoss implored the DMK-led state government to promptly retract this proposal, cautioning that PMK would initiate ongoing protests if the current quarries remain operational.
He accused the state administration of environmental negligence, alleging that hills in the southern districts and the Kongu region are being devastated for mineral extraction, which is subsequently smuggled into Kerala.
At the same time, he asserted that illegal river sand mining persists without regulation across the state.
"The PMK's stance is unequivocal — all sand quarries in Tamil Nadu must be closed. The government should either import sand from abroad or encourage the use of artificial sand in construction. It is unacceptable to transform Tamil Nadu into a desert through unrestricted sand mining," Ramadoss declared.
He also expressed his strong discontent regarding the state government's alleged plans to open over 20 new sand quarries in 13 districts.
Pointing out the environmental hazards and supposed regulatory breaches, he highlighted data presented in the Madras High Court by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which revealed extensive over-extraction in existing quarries.
"In 2023, the government sanctioned the establishment of 25 sand quarries with a total approved capacity of 7.51 lakh units. However, the ED's submission to the High Court indicated that a staggering 27.70 lakh units of sand had been mined — nearly four times the authorized amount. This outright violation unveils the extent of rampant and illegal sand mining under state government supervision," he stated.
The PMK leader reaffirmed that if the state government advances with its expansion plans, it will encounter widespread public resistance.
He underscored the importance of preserving Tamil Nadu's ecological balance and called upon the state government to explore sustainable alternatives to fulfill the state's construction requirements without inflicting lasting environmental harm.
He concluded his remarks by warning that PMK will escalate its protests if the state government neglects its duty to protect the state's natural resources.
Point of View
I recognize the critical importance of balancing development with environmental stewardship. The concerns raised by PMK highlight the need for proactive governance that prioritizes ecological sustainability while addressing construction needs. It is essential for the government to engage in transparent dialogue with stakeholders to find viable, eco-friendly solutions.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stance of PMK on new sand quarries?
PMK strongly opposes the establishment of new sand quarries in Tamil Nadu, urging the government to reconsider its plans due to environmental concerns.
What environmental issues are associated with sand mining in Tamil Nadu?
Sand mining in Tamil Nadu has led to significant environmental degradation, including the destruction of hills and unchecked illegal mining activities.
What alternative solutions does PMK propose?
PMK suggests the government should either import sand or promote the use of artificial sand for construction to protect the environment.
How has the government responded to PMK's concerns?
As of now, the government has not publicly addressed PMK's concerns, but PMK threatens to escalate protests if their demands are ignored.
What evidence supports PMK's claims about illegal sand mining?
Data from the Enforcement Directorate presented in the Madras High Court shows a significant disparity between permitted and actual sand extraction, indicating rampant illegal mining.
