R. Vishal, Deputy Commissioner, has said that only a survey could reveal whether the area at Kalathur village is fit for setting up a jelly crusher unit or not.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Mr. Vishal said that there was no way of knowing the suitability of the area for setting up the unit before conducting a survey.
It may be recalled that the farmers of Kalathur, Chara, Nalkur and Santhekatte protested against the setting up of a proposed jelly crusher unit at Kalathur on April 11 saying that it would affect their health, cattle, agriculture and environment.
Due to the protests by farmers at Kalathur, no survey could be conducted there by the personnel of the Department of Mines and Geology. “The people there have objected to a survey. We will have to examine the matter. If it is not suitable, we will have to do a survey and then say it is unsuitable. We need to know the facts. Without knowing the facts, I cannot decide on anything,” Mr. Vishal said.
There are certain conditions that need to be fulfilled before a jelly crusher unit can be set up in an area, he said. The crusher unit needs to be 200 metres away from a national highway and state highway.
The number of houses in the location also needed to be enumerated, he said.
On explosives
To a question, Mr. Vishal said that written directions was sent to all temples in the district on the use of explosives and fireworks on April 11. Prior permission needs to be taken by all temples from the authorities concerned on storage and usage of explosives.
The explosives and fire works had to be used in a safe manner. Complete elimination of explosives and fireworks is not the solution, he said. “It is like removing vehicles because there are accidents. But its usage should be proper and safe,” he said.
These directions applied not just to temples but also godowns, markets and supermarkets where the explosives are stored, he said.
Even if crackers are to be used at a marriage function, they have to follow proper procedures. “We are giving importance to proper regulation of the safety norms,” he said.
BPL card misuse
On instances of misuse of below the poverty line (BPL) cards by government servants in the district, Mr. Vishal said that such cards would be cancelled.
If government servants were found to have committed such a mistake then further action would be taken.
“But they will be given an opportunity to reply to the charges,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
