Residents protest against stone quarry operations

Residents in Dindigul protest against local stone quarry operations, urging authorities to address safety and structural damage concerns.

Around 50 people staged a silent protest by covering their mouths with black cloth in front of Dindigul Collectorate demanding the closure of stone quarry operations in their area in Sanarpatti in the district.

The protesters said despite repeated complaints no action had been taken by the authorities concerned. They said more than 100 families were residing in Korasinampatti village at Kanavaipatti panchayat in Sanarpatti in the district. The district administration had granted permission for stone quarry operations in the area about six months ago.

They complained that the residential buildings in the area had developed cracks due to the continuous blasting of rocks. The rocks fell on the buildings damaging them and were also found scattered in the area. Tremors were also felt in the residential blocks, the residents said.

They also complained that heavy vehicles transporting the minerals were speeding through the residential areas. It posed a threat to the residents, they said.

The protesters said that they had already submitted petitions in this regard to the Tahsildar concerned and District Revenue Officer. However, no action had been taken so far by the authorities concerned to revoke the quarry licence, they complained.

The residents urged the authorities to intervene in the issue and take necessary action to revoke the quarry licence. If the demand was not met, they said that they would boycott the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Following the protest, the residents met Dindigul Collector S. Saravanan. They submitted a petition seeking appropriate action.