Villagers block stretch near Tirupattur in protest against non-stop operation of lorries to stone quarry

Residents, mostly farmers and traders, in Usithoppu village near Vaniyambadi town in Tirupattur blocked a key stretch in protest against non-stop operation of lorries to the existing private stone quarry and tar plant in the area.

Residents said that the stone quarry has been operating in the village for several years. Since the opening of the quarry, residents have been keeping a vigil against any attempt to start new quarries at the foothills in the village.

They have been demanding closure of the existing stone quarry due to its adverse impact on farmlands, waterbodies and village infrastructure like roads and water pipelines. “The lives of schoolchildren and senior citizens are at risk while using the village main road due to the continuous operation of lorries to the quarry. Collector should take steps to regulate the operation of the quarry or to close it permanently,” said K. Pari, a farmer.

Located near Palar river, Usithoppu village is a sprawling farming hamlet with over 3,500 acres under cultivation. The village has around 8,000 voters, who depend on farming for their livelihood. Farmers depend on its two lakes and a few ponds for cultivation as they help in recharging the groundwater in the area.

Residents said that the existing stone quarry and tar manufacturing plant have been polluting small waterbodies and the ground water table in the village. The newly-laid road was also damaged due to frequent trips made by lorries to the quarry. Senior citizens and children have been severely affected by the noise of regular blasts in the quarry.

Farmers have to risk their lives during cultivation as huge stone pieces from the quarry fall in the farmlands during such blasts. Regular bus services to the village have been reduced following damage to the stretch. Ambulances have to take a detour of five km to reach the village due to continuous movement of lorries from the quarry.

TNPCB officials said that at present, around 100 quarries, mostly stone quarries, operate in the district. Most of these are located in Ambur, Kandali, Jolarpet, Natrampalli and Tirupattur that were well-connected to adjoining districts.

It was around 8.30 a.m. when residents blocked the stretch towards Vaniyambadi town, demanding regularisation of movement of lorries in the village. Based on an alert, revenue officials and Vaniyambadi Town police rushed to the spot and pacified the agitated residents. After assurance from authorities, the protesters dispersed peacefully.