Tamil Nadu Faces Growing Concerns Over Illegal Mineral Looting, Lorry Owners Warn of Dire Consequences

The Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Association Federation has raised alarms over the increasing illegal mining and transportation of mineral resources from the state, especially to neighboring Karnataka. Yuvaram, the president of the federation, revealed that around 1 lakh tonnes of minerals are being shipped out of Tamil Nadu every day, with the destruction of hills being a key issue. He warned that if this unchecked mining continues, Tamil Nadu could see the complete disappearance of its hills within the next 30 years.

Yuvaram explained to reporters that many crushers, totaling about 5,000 in Tamil Nadu, operate without permits. He pointed out that in Kancheepuram alone, 162 crushers are functioning, and in Tiruvannamalai, a district known for reverence toward hills, permissions have been granted to cut down numerous hills. These crushers, which can process up to 500 tons of minerals per hour, break down hills into smaller rocks before processing and transporting them. This level of operation, he argued, is unparalleled in India.

In addition to the illegal activities in Kancheepuram and Tiruvannamalai, Yuvaram mentioned a quarry in Chengalpattu allegedly linked to a former minister. Despite ongoing illegal mining, Yuvaram criticized the government’s lack of action. While officials from the mineral resources department claim they haven’t granted permissions, they suggest that the pollution control department may have been involved. However, Yuvaram emphasized that it’s the government’s responsibility to regulate mineral extraction, not just monitor pollution.

Lorry owners, who are caught in the middle of these illegal activities, have expressed frustration at being unjustly blamed for transporting the looted minerals. Yuvaram lamented that drivers and truck owners are being arrested as if they are complicit in the looting, despite their role being limited to transporting materials.

Just hours after a section of the anti-illegal miners, former AIADMK councillor Jagabhar Ali, vociferously demanded action against lorry owners taking part in looting Tamil Nadu’s valuable minerals, he lost his life through an accident allegedly caused by an errant lorry in Pudukottai. Now, five lorry owners involved in the gruesome incident have been arrested and were remanded before the judicial.

The Lorry Owners Association says that the practice of looting Tamil Nadu’s valuable mineral resources needs stronger legislation.