Illegal sand miners will face stringent action: Edappadi K Palaniswami

Chennai: The Chief Minister Mr. Edappadi K Palaniswami assured in the State Assembly on Tuesday that severe action would be taken against illegal sand miners in the state.

Replying to a question by Congress legislature party leader KR Ramaswamy on the increasing illegal sand mining , he said sand quarries which were opened with government approval are required to adhere to certain norms and some mining companies complicate the process by going to court.

According to the government, all sand quarries must sell sand at reasonable prices, he said, adding, those exploiting resources would face action from the State police and revenue departments.

Mr. Palaniswami, acknowledging the effects of illegal sand mining on water resources, said that 'M-Sand' had to be used for restoration, even as there was need for greater awareness about its use. He added that the government was also working to import sand from abroad and the tender for the same was in its final stages.