Nallakannu held for attempt to besiege quarry

It is said that government’s sanction to establish new quarries in Karur district where already a number of them are functioning at Thavuttupalayam, Kombu Palayam and Thottakurichi led to people agitating against the proposal. Farmers have been opposing the move as it would affect the ground water level and a series of protests have been organised by various organisations and political parties. 

Under such circumstances, the Cauvery River Protection Movement led by CPI senior leader R Nallakannu, DMK agriculture wing secretary Chinnasamy, Tamil Nadu Environmental protection movement coordinator Mugilan, film director Gowthaman marched towards the Thalavapalayam sand quarry on Wednesday holding white flags. However, they were stopped midway by police. Soon, the protesters staged a dharna in the middle of the road blocking the movement of traffic. Tension gripped the area as there was an altercation between the police and the protesters, who raised slogans against illegal sand mining. 

Later, Nallakannu said that already the ground water level in Tamil Nadu hit the rock bottom low after the sand quarries started digging beyond the permitted level of depth. He warned that the state would suffer even for drinking water if more such quarries were established.