State to take over sand quarries: Palanisamy

The Chief Minister also asked the people and realtors to use M sand and desist from using the traditional river sand. By the prevalent use of M sand and taking over the sand quarries the government could curb rampant sand mining in three years, Palanisamy said. 

He further said that sand would be retained in the rivers to ensure a good ground water table and measures would be taken to preserve the precious resource for the future. Earlier, he inaugurated a slew of development works at a total coast of Rs 52.72 crore, including two high-level overbridges across Vaigai River in Madurai. 

The two bridges, one from Arapalayam to Aruldaspuram and the second one from Thirumalayar Padithurai to Sellur, were named after former Chief Ministers M G Ramachandran, and J Jayalalithaa respectively. The two bridges were inaugurated at a cost of Rs 30 crore. 

Apart from these two bridges, the Chief Minister announced the construction of a new bridge from Periyar to Yanaikal at a cost of Rs 38 crore. He announced construction of new bridges at Kalavasal at a cost of Rs 192 crore and another overbridge at Goripalayam Thevar statue signal at a cost of Rs 165 crore. 

Palanisamy also announced the building of an outer ring road for Madurai at a cost of Rs 214 crore. In the afternoon, the CM took part in a mega youth festival organised by the AIADMK Amma Peravai and interacted with the youth. The CM partook of lunch with the youth for whom a job mela was held.