PWD proposes two sand quarries in Palar Basin

Upon sanction, the number of quarries in the state will rise to eight. Currently, the State is operating four quarries in Cuddalore and two in Vellore.

“The department has performed a range of tests to examine the quality of the surplus river sand accumulated in the basin. Based on the result, we proposed two quarries. This would take a considerable amount of time to get approval, owing to the latest Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed at the Madras High Court,” a top official said.

The PIL requested to cancel the permission given to the PWD (Mines) for quarrying in Palar river this month.

Working president of the Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Federation Sella Rasamani said, “We are reeling under a severe shortage of river sand for the construction activities. The NGT’s five-year ban came to an end last month itself. We are certain that surplus river sand has been accumulated post this monsoon. Owing to the closure of quarries, tens of thousands of lorry workers have lost their livelihood. The industry is in a bad phase.”

A complete ban was in force on the sand mining in Palar river since 2013. The State government ordered a blanket ban after the Madras High Court ordered the CBI to conduct inquiries into the illegal sand stockyards in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts.