Alleging that a private company was continuing to mine bauxite in Yercaud, causing extensive damage to the environment, the members of Speak Out Salem have demanded a white paper from the district administration on the operations of the company.
Led by Piyush Manush, convener of Speak Out Salem, the members submitted a petition to the District Collector and the Deputy Director of Mines, here on Wednesday.
The petition said that as per the orders of the Madras High Court on November 21, 2008, mining activity of the company was stopped in Kolli Hills in Namakkal district. The company shut its operations in Mettur Dam, but was continuing to mine bauxite in Yercaud. The petitioners wanted to know whether any action would be taken against the company as per law.
Addressing mediapersons at the Collectorate, Mr. Manush also announced the start of a new campaign, “One question. Who profits?” over the proposed expansion of the Salem Airport and the eight-lane Salem – Chennai Green Corridor Expressway. He said that persons who would be affected by the implementation of the two projects - farmers, tax payers, small and medium size industrial unit owners, and lorry owners - would participate and explain their position at the campaign in Omalur on May 26. He also invited government officials to participate and answer their questions in the campaign.
