Latest news with #TamilNaduEnvironmentProtectionMovement
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Proposed protest over 12 demands in Erode withdrawn following Minister's promise
The proposed protest by members of various social welfare organisations over 12 key demands was withdrawn after Minister for Housing, Prohibition, and Excise S. Muthusamy promised action in Perundurai on Tuesday. Led by R.S. Mugilan, coordinator of the Tamil Nadu Environment Protection Movement, the members had planned a continuous sit-in at the Perundurai Taluk Office from Tuesday, ahead of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's visit on Wednesday. They alleged that despite submitting thousands of petitions with evidence of public property misappropriation worth crores in Perundurai Taluk, no action was taken. Their demands included action against former DMK Chennimalai Union Treasurer and officials from the Revenue Department, Sub-Registrar's office, and banks for alleged land fraud in Gandhi Nagar, Chennimalai, and against those involved in forging documents related to land allotted for the resettlement of 250 Sri Lankan Tamils in Attavanai Pidariyur. They sought withdrawal of a false case against farmers and environmentalists protesting SIPCOT pollution, and disciplinary action against Geology and Mining and Revenue officials for ignoring hundreds of mining-related complaints over five years. Protesters also demanded the arrest of AIADMK Union Secretary for alleged illegal mining using explosives on government land in Ekkattampalayam and Sillankattuvalasu, and criminal proceedings against four others involved in illegal quarrying. They called for action against the BDO, Police Inspector, and RTO for allowing heavy mineral transport that damaged roads, violating a Supreme Court ruling, and cancellation of illegal mining permits issued without mandatory public hearings near residential areas. The protesters had vowed to stage a sit-in until action was taken, but withdrew after Tuesday's meeting with the Minister and his assurance of follow-up.
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
'Hold digital survey for mining of small minerals'
COIMBATORE: An environmental outfit comprising mainly farmers has urged the Tamil Nadu government to issue computerised slips and hold digital survey for taking minor minerals from stone quarries. In a petition to the chief minister's special cell by farmers in the name of Tamil Nadu Environment Protection Movement and Anti-Illegal Quarrying Committee, they urged the government to adopt a slew of measures to prevent illegal mining from stone quarries. "We welcome the Tamil Nadu government's announcement of implementing a metric system for measuring minor minerals taken from stone quarries. It would help prevent looting of minerals," said K Sivaprakash, a coordinator of the movement. "At present, 2,000 quarries are active in Tamil Nadu and more than 6,000 have been abandoned after taking minerals. Most of the quarries, which are in operation, are being operated without necessary permission as the licences had expired. Those are operated illegally," he said. "A fine of 15 times should be imposed on those looting government property under the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Act, 1959. As per the HC's order, the government should install CCTV cameras around quarries to monitor the activities," he added.
