The Department of Geology and Mining has seized seven lorries, which were used for excavating soil from the Pallavaram Periya Eri and the Keelkattalai lake without obtaining prior permission from the department.
“We have seized seven lorries and four excavators belonging to the contractors, owing to failure of communication,” said Perumal Raja, assistant director of Geology and Mining (Kancheepuram).
The PWD had given a ‘No objection certificate’ to the Pallavaram Municipality, which has been allotted ₹15 crore to desilt and rejuvenate the two lakes. An additional ₹7 crore was allocated for clearing garbage mounds along the Pallavaram Periya Eri and to initiate a bio-mining project.
Pallavaram Municipal Commissioner K. Sivakumar said, “The municipality had stepped in to restore the lake without informing the Department of Geology and Mining. Due to deviations in the procedure, the Geology and Mining officials have seized the lorries. We have informed the District Collector and necessary letters would be submitted soon.” The work is set to resume once the municipality sends its request to the department.
