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Iyakkam protests attempts to reopen sand quarry in Ariyalur
As many as 82 persons were apprehended after members associated with the Kollidam Neeratharam Paathukaappu Iyakkam staged a road roko at the Thirumanur bus stop in Ariyalur on Monday, demanding to withdraw the proposed sand quarry project on the banks of Kollidam river.
Thiruchirapalli
According to the protesters, 24 years of continuous sand mining activities in the Thirumanur area had taken toll on the groundwater levels, resulting in its record low depth. In this situation, the Madras High Court had ordered a ban on mining.Â
Thereafter, the Tamil Nadu government had appealed to the Supreme Court to reopen the quarries, which was eventually granted by the apex court and hence, sand mining had again resumed. However, Kollidam Neeratharam Paathukappu Iyakkam won an interim ban ordered by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court against the mining. But now, in the last few days, the officials are on the move to open the sand quarry which will affect the environment and disrupt farming activities as well, the protesters contended.
They added that sand mining activities would affect the groundwater level and the resident will have to struggle for even drinking water. Hence, the protesters continued their protest and faced apprehension in several rounds.Â
In the morning, as many as 15 protesters were arrested and later, 67 persons were arrested. Later in the evening, all the 82 apprehended protesters were released.
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