T.N. election 2026: Residents in despair as dust and noise pollution from quarries persist in Arcot

Petitions to various government authorities have been given; however, no action has been taken to restrict activities of these quarries in the region, say residents

Voters of the picturesque Nambarai village, one of the 15 farming villages surrounded by a series of hillocks, in Arcot Assembly constituency in Ranipet district, are living in despair since 2008 when the first private stone quarry and crusher unit commenced its operations near the village.

Stone quarries and crushing units are not restricted to Nambarai village alone. They dot the neighbouring farming villages like Anaimallur, Venkatapuram, Pallaprathi, and Kuppam. Together, more than 10 stone quarries and crushing units have been operating in these villages for the past two decades.

“Residents of all ages are affected. Lakes are contaminated due to dust deposits from these quarries. We won’t migrate because it’s our land where our ancestors settled. We are living in despair due to the quarries,” said P. Elumalai, a PhD scholar in the village. 

Residents said that their lives have worsened since the operation of the first stone quarry many years ago. The bitumen stretches were extensively damaged and worn-out years ago. Cracks on walls and pillars of houses and government buildings like panchayat union schools and anganwadi centres are clearly visible.

Dust particles from the drilled hillocks due to continuous operation of the quarries quietly settle on paddy fields, terrace gardens, and parked vehicles in the village. “We can’t fetch a few pots of water from lakes in the village as sheets of dust particles from these quarries can be seen on the water. Children are anxious whenever they hear the noise of explosives blasted in the quarries,” said V. PetchiammaL, a resident. 

At present, these villages, which have around 22,000 persons, are mostly dependent on farming, cattle rearing, and poultry farming. They also have at least 13 ponds and lakes that remain a major water source for irrigation and domestic consumption.

Paddy is the chief crop in these villages, which come under Thimiri panchayat union. Farmers also cultivate green chillies, brinjals, groundnuts, greens, and mango. Excavation of stones was done round the clock, giving sleepless nights to residents.

Residents have given petitions, at least 53 times, to various government authorities, including 13 to the District Collector since 2021. However, residents said that no action has been taken to restrict activities of these quarries in the region.

Apart from quarries in the hillocks and its pollution, residents also face the challenge of irregular bus services to remote hamlets in the constituency, which comprises Arcot, Thimiri, and Kalavai panchayat unions that have over 150 farming villages. Commuters, including women and senior citizens, have to walk several kilometres to board buses at the nearest bus stand due to lack of frequent bus services. Commuters said that many bus services were stopped due to poor revenue collection on these bus routes.

As agriculture remains the main occupation, residents said that quality seeds and fertilizers have been a cause of concern for farmers in the region. Often, seeds are of poor quality, resulting in loss to farmers. Additional paddy procurement centres are also required in the area.

The incumbent J.L. Eswarappan of the DMK has been re-nominated again by the DMK for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. He won in the 2016 and 2021 polls.

The Assembly constituency has been alternatively won by the ruling DMK and AIADMK since 1952 when polls were held for the first time. The DMK has won at least six times as against four by the AIADMK. Among noted MLAs elected from the Assembly constituency was Govindasamy Viswanathan, Chancellor and founder of VIT. Mr. Viswanathan won the seat as AIADMK candidate way back in 1991 and later became Minister for Food and Co-operation in former chief minister Jayalalithaa’s cabinet.