Coimbatore North RTO detain tractors from transporting sand illegally from Thadagam Valley
Revenue officials along with Coimbatore North RTO conducted a surprise vehicle check after a tip off from an activist reporting smuggling of red sand. The officials caught three tractors red-handed and took them into custody.
RTO Sivagurunathan, without mentioning to whom the seized tractors belong to, said that the vehicles have been confiscated. A fine followed by a legal notice has been served, he added.
Ganesh, an activist from Thadagam valley said the move comes after the order dated 03-03-2021 from M. Ramachandran, M.A, Deputy secretary to Government to the Additional Chief Secretary/ Transport Commissioner of Tamil Nadu to take necessary action against these miscreants for misusing tractors and trucks meant for agricultural purposes.
Earlier, in the last month, days after when Madras High Court presided by two judge bench ordered immediate closure of illegal brick kilns in Thadagam and adjoining areas, the officials during an inspection seized one lorry, while the others fled the spot. However, the illegal brick kilns which have been asked to shut down by the HC are still into business.
Ganesh also alleged officials for turning blind eye in this regard and claimed that they have connections with brick kiln owners.