WRD directs quarry owners not to operate heavy vehicles on waterbodies

As complaints were raised about the usage of heavy vehicles on waterbodies by quarry operators in Vadipatti taluk, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has issued notice prohibiting usage of any type of vehicles in waterbodies or channels.  

Gnanasekaran, a resident of Katchaikatti, alleged that the quarry vehicles to carry stones from the quarry sites have been using the waterbodies and streams in between the actual pathway to reach their destination quicker.  

He added, according to section 36 (1)(A) of the Tamil Nadu Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 1959, quarry vehicles should not use waterbodies, with or without water, to operate their vehicles.  

But the vehicles of about seven stone quarries being operated in the village carry the stone on the Vaguthumalai channel to reach their quarries, he pointed out.  

He complained that the illegal practice had reduced the water flow to agricultural wells and prevented rainwater from reaching the catchment areas.  

Instead, he noted, the water was flooding agricultural fields causing damage to the crops.  

Though the local residents had previously filed complaints with the WRD and Mining Department officials, no action was taken. 

To a latest petition filed with Vaigai Drainage Division of the WRD, a notice under the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks Act, 2007, has been issued, advising the heavy vehicles transporting minerals from the stone quarries not to use the Vaguthumalai stream. 

Though a notice was issued, the residents complained that instead of taking initiating actions against the perpetrators, the officials only urge the quarry operators who had completely disrupted the waterbodies in the area to not use the water streams.