Farmers in Coimbatore demand fair investigations and revocation of penalties imposed for mineral theft allegations
The Hindu
Farmers protest penalties for alleged illegal mineral extraction in Coimbatore, demand fair inspections and justice from authorities.
Farmers from several villages in Perur Taluk, Coimbatore district, submitted a petition through the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association to the District Collector on Monday and staged a protest against penalties imposed on them following allegations of illegal mineral extraction from their agricultural lands.
In their petition, the farmers explained that land levelling and small pond construction were regular agricultural practices necessary for irrigation, particularly in areas sloping towards the Noyyal. They stated that these activities had been carried out for decades and were not connected to any form of mineral theft.
The farmers said that repeated complaints had been lodged earlier through the association, but no appropriate action was taken at the time. They argued that authorities had now, without proper field inspections, relied on drone surveys to identify supposed violations and recommended heavy penalties against farmers.
According to the farmers, nearly 450 of them have been penalised, despite the absence of clear evidence of external soil removal. They further pointed out that large-scale illegal mining in common lands had previously gone unchecked, while genuine agricultural activities were now being wrongfully penalised.
More than 100 farmers gathered in front of the Collectorate and staged a demonstration, demanding that penalties imposed on innocent farmers be revoked. They also requested that direct field inspections be conducted to identify actual offenders.
Australia activates disaster relief for New South Wales as wildfires threaten properties and infrastructure, with no casualties reported.
Australia’s Pat Cummins confirms he’ll return for the third Ashes Test, easing concerns for the struggling England side.
The Shakespeare Millennium Club in collaboration with the Annai Velankanni Church (Society of St. Vincent De Paul), conducted a Free Medical Camp on November 23, 2025 at the church premises from 9 am to 6 pm, with Dr. Samundi Sankari and Dr. Divya Sivaraman of Srushti Hospitals, Dr. Sharada L N of Aramba, the Kumaran Dental Clinic, Lychee and Satya Physiotherapy Centre, according to a press release.
Hyderabad police support senior citizens living alone, enhancing safety, preventing fraud, and fostering community connections through regular visits.
Explore the vital role of Humanities in fostering critical thinking, empathy, and social harmony amid the STEM-focused higher education landscape.
Tiruvannamalai removes 450 metric tonnes of waste from Maha Deepam day in a two-day cleanup by 2,300 workers.
Chennai Metrowater raises tanker tariffs and removes trip caps to address rising production costs and enhance bulk water supply.
Tamil Nadu commits to enhanced collaboration with the National Green Tribunal for effective environmental governance and protection initiatives.
On Ambedkar's death anniversary, CM Rekha Gupta highlights his enduring ideals of social harmony, equality, and justice.
The Banyan launches the Keshav Desiraju Lived Experience Repository in Chennai to preserve mental illness narratives across various formats.
MetLife Stadium will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19, with 104 matches across North America.
Former IAS officer Pradeep Sharma sentenced to five years for money laundering, causing ₹1.20 crore loss to the government.
The Dr. Mrs. YGP Centenary Annual Festival of Music and Dance launched at PSBB, celebrating classical arts and education.