Officials swing into action on illegal sand mining

MADURAI

Following a report in The Hindu over rampant illegal sand mining in Rayapalayam panchayat in Tirumangalam taluk, allegedly with the tacit support of officials and police, the district administration initiated action on Friday.

When the issue came up in the monthly farmers’ grievance redressal meeting here on Friday, Collector S. Natarajan said that he had already instructed officials to take swift action on the issue.

“I have got updates from senior revenue officials that they have already stopped the illegal mining activities going on in the area. Further action will follow soon,” he said.

However, alleging that the issue in Rayapalayam panchayat was only a tip of the iceberg, a section of farmers appealed for Collector’s intervention in illegal mining activities going on in several pockets of the district.

Meanwhile, a group of people from Rayapalayam panchayat petitioned Collector and the Superintendent of Police demanding stringent action against those involved in illicit mining activities.

“Officials have assured that mining activities have stopped. However, the police have not filed any FIR till now. That must also be done swiftly,” said one of the villagers, who reportedly received threats from those involved in mining.

He said that Superintendent of Police N. Manivannan assured to direct the police station concerned to immediately file FIRs.