No doubt, the opening of a new sand quarry on the banks of the Coleroon near Anbil has facilitated Public Works Department officials to ensure prompt supply of sand to a large number of builders.
But, it has resulted in extensive damage to the Lalgudi–Anbil stretch, an eight-km rural road dotted with paddy fields and a row of panchayat schools en route.
Villagers say that it was rural road and the sudden operation of a large number of trucks laden with sand that had caused extensive damage to the road. “The authorities should have re-laid the road to suit the heavy load before starting the new quarry,” say the villagers.
Residents of Natarajapuram, Adhikudi, Koppavali, Konnakudi, Manakkal and Vazhudhur say that the tar road has virtually been converted into a mud road.
From the past complaint of lack of road facility, the problem has now got aggravated to a health-related issue, they say, referring to the dust emanating in the area due to strong winds, every time a heavy vehicle passes by their residents.
Anbil village is also noted for two important temples – Sri Sundararaja Perumal temple, one of the 108 Divya Desam and Sri Mariamman temple.
Many pilgrims find it difficult to visit Anbil because of the poor condition of the road.
It takes about 40 to 45 minutes to travel eight km from Lalgudi to reach these temples, according to sources.
Villagers say that a good number of devotees even skip visiting the temple because of the bad condition of the road.
