Coimbatore : In an attempt to put an end to the illegal sand mining in Thadagam that is looting the natural resources of Coimbatore, members of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association petitioned the State Pollution Control Board in Goundampalayam here today.
Coimbatore : In an attempt to put an end to the illegal sand mining in Thadagam that is looting the natural resources of Coimbatore, members of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association petitioned the State Pollution Control Board in Goundampalayam here today.
Briefing the media before petitioning, V. Venugopal, State President of the association said that they had mentioned in detailed in the petition about the violations of the norms put forth by the National Green Tribunal for mining red soil.
“The norms allow only two meter deep pits to be dug. These are violated blatantly by the brick kiln chambers who have dug up 100 feet craters close to the Western Ghats in Thadagam. Despite regular petitioning, no action had been taken by the Government,” he said.
He further added that the mining is also causing a string of other problems including destruction of water bodies and increasing negative interactions between man and animals, leading to the death of many humans and elephants in the past.
“While the deep pits create conflict with elephants, the dust and pollutants caused by the chambers and their long chimneys are leaving a lasting impression on the life in Thadagam. Children are heavily affected by pollution and dust particles enter into their respiratory system,” he opined.
He also claimed that because of the heat smoke let out by chamber chimneys, the region has become void of rain for the past 15 years.
“If the Government is still quiet over this plundering, Coimbatore will be converted into a wilderness in no time. It’s high time action is taken or else we will move to the court, said Venugopal.