Sand movers stage fast urging action against sand smuggling

Chennai, July 2 (UNI) The members of Federation of Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Association today observed a day's fast at suburb Redhills, urging the state government to prevent the arrival of adulterated sands from Andhra Pradesh as it would affect the livelihood of domestic sand movers.

In a statement here, Federation President S Yuvaraj and General Secretary R Paneerselvam said the adulterated sand, which does not have the requisite quality, would affect the construction.

Out of the six sand quarries functioning in Tiruvallur district, five were closed down by the officials concerned without any valid reason.

Presently, the sand movers were forced to travel at least a distance of 100 km to fetch sand.

Exploiting the present situation, several illegal sand movers were smuggling sands from Andhra Pradesh to the state, bringing huge loss to the state exchequer.

They said due to sand smuggling, the state government was losing atleast Rs 18 crore per month.

The Federation urged the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to arrest the sand smugglers under the Goondas Act, besides permitting to open more sand quarries in the state.

Due to the fast, already over 1000 lorries stayed off the road in and around Tiruvallur.

UNI