Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday announced that the government will take direct control over the operations of all the sand quarries in the State.
Speaking at a function to dedicate two bridges across the Vaigai river here, the Chief Minister added that the primary operations of loading and stocking in sand quarries will henceforth be taken over and run under the direct supervision of the State government, indicating an end to the role presently played by private players.
Stating that the government will also keep the price of sand under control through the move, Mr. Palaniswami, however, appealed to the public and builders to gradually shift to manufactured sand (m-sand) for constructions.
He added that the use of sand for construction will also be stopped in the State in a span of two to three years. “While the demand for sand is on the rise, there is a possibility that we may not have adequate sand in the future to meet our needs. There is also a necessity to protect our groundwater table,” he said.
Funds for water
Pointing out that the State government was working to meet the drinking water needs of the people despite the unprecedented drought, he said the government had now allocated an additional fund of ₹100 crore for the purpose.
Claiming that the kudimaramathu scheme, launched to restore water bodies with the participation of residents, has proven to be successful, the CM said the government had allocated ₹300 crore for the next phase of the project, apart from the ₹100 crore allocated initially.
