People’s protest blocks mining in Variyappadam

District Collector K.V. Mohan Kumar ordered the stoppage.

District Collector K.V. Mohan Kumar on Monday ordered the stoppage of clay mining activities in Variyappadam in Peruvayal Grama Panchayat.

The order was passed after local people objected to the mining in the area.

On Sunday, they had blocked the trucks that had arrived to collect clay from the area and alerted the police, who after inspection of the surroundings found that the mining was being conducted in areas unsuitable for the same.

The trucks were sent back after unloading the clay.

The Mavoor Police later submitted a report of the unauthorised mining in Variyappadam to the District Collector, who ordered a stoppage of all such activities in the area.

Speaking to

The Hindu , Mr. Mohan Kumar said he had been receiving several complaints from the local people regarding clay mining.

NOCs

“We had given no objection certificates (NOCs) for clay mining in Peruvayal. But most of the conditions stipulated in it, including the area of mining, quantity and distance from river, were being violated there. So I have ordered for stoppage,” he said.

He said the tile manufacturers’ association had requested him to clear the NOCs to the mines, as the livelihood of many workers was dependent on it.