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14 lorries smuggle sand from Palar, seized
As many as 14 lorries were seized by Kancheepuram police and revenue officials for transporting illegally mined sand from Palar riverbed on Tuesday.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
Based on the alert from Kancheepuram Range Deputy Inspector General of Police PC Thenmozhi that sand lorries have lined up at Palar riverbed near Baluchetty Chatram, police and revenue officials managed to intercept 14 lorries while nearly 10 other loaded vehicles sped away.
Official sources said that lorries have been stationed at revenue department office and the drivers are being questioned. “Notices have been issued to the owners of the lorries. Usually a fine ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh will be levied on violators and the lorries will be returned only after a month,” added the source.
Though there is a ban on sand-mining in Palar river in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts since last year, villagers complain that illegal mining continues in the riverbed. While one or two vehicles are usually seized for sand-mining, this is the first time that 14 lorries have been seized at once, said a police official.
However, farmers of the village are upbeat about the action taken by the officials and hope that it will continue in order to save agriculture in areas surrounding Palar river.
Sand Stipulations:
- Since the government took over the sale of sand for construction purposes in the state, lorry owners must apply online with their lorry registration number.
- Based on the demand, the request will be queued, and they will be intimated of the availability and location within three months.
- A message with such details will be sent three days before the applicant’s turn after which the registered lorry can be sent to the allotted place and mine till the permissible level.
- Usually, applicants will be allowed to mine only two units of sand (100 cubic ft which will approximately weigh nine tonnes) at the cost of Rs 1,100. In case of a 10-tyre lorry, up to 3 units is allowed.
- Punishment for illegal sand-mining: Criminal action can be initiated against the repeated offenders while for the first three times, a fine of Rs 25,000 to 1 lakh will be levied.
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