The public hearing at Perambalur for ascertaining the views of the villagers of Naranamangalam near Perambalur for setting up a coal-based power plant by the MRF Limited witnessed intermittent noisy scenes.
The entire proceeding was classified into three core issues: Villagers, mostly Narikuravas, initially felt that the hearing was just an arrangement to comply with the procedures.
They questioned the propriety of bringing the coal all the way from Karaikal port to be utilised at Naranamangalam, about 140 km away from Karaikal. But, the Sub-Collector D. Madhusudhan Reddy not only exhibited patience but also extended an assurance to the people that the district administration would send a free and fair report to the government. Visibly convinced Narikuravas presented their ‘pasimani’ to the official, as a token of their gratitude to the official’s assurance.
The traffic wing of the Musiri town is functioning in an old building. Enquiries reveal that the building once accommodated the quarters for the Sub-Inspector of Musiri.
With the construction of new quarters for the Sub-Inspector by the Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation, the old building was allotted to the traffic wing in August 2014.
Traffic wing personnel feel that the proposal for constructing a new building by demolishing the existing old one should be taken up immediately. The only solace for them is that the strength of the personnel was just 7 against the sanctioned strength of 16. “Only one Writer needs to be present at the office” with the rest out for regulating traffic. The delay in construction of the traffic wing has come as a blessing to the Revenue Department officials.
Often, revenue authorities utilise the vacant site in front of the station for parking sand lorries, seized for illegally transporting sand from Musiri and its vicinity.
M. Balaganessin
