THANJAVUR: People of Thirukattuppalli area staged a demonstration by entering Kollidam river at Thiruchinampoondi near Thirukattuppalli protesting against the government's plan to start a sand quarry in that area.
People shouted slogans against setting up of the quarry and appealed to the government to drop the idea. Durai Chandrasekaran, Thiruvaiyaru MLA (DMK), V.Jeevakumar of CPI (M), P. Maniarasan of Thamizh Desiya Periyakkam and others participated in the demonstration.
Jeevakumar said that sand quarries were allowed in many parts of Kollidam river and more than required sand has been exploited both legally and illegally. “Now, if a quarry is allowed here, it will be a death knell to underground water and cultivation. There are umpteen number of combined drinking water schemes functioning from Kollidam river. This has also depleted the underground water. Sand will absorb water during rainy season and enrich underground water. If sand is taken through government quarry, people of this area will face unprecedented water problem. Government should give up the idea of setting up a government sand quarry in this place,” Jeevakumar said.
