Villagers oppose new stone quarry, crusher unit near Cheyyar in Tiruvannamalai

Villagers, mostly farmers and traders, in Palli, Irumanthangal, Mottur Nagar, Vadakkanpattu and Mangalam villages of Tiruvannamalai district have expressed their opposition against proposed stone quarry and crusher unit in Palli village.

The public hearings, chaired by Sub Collector S. Madhu Cheziyan, organised by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), were held at the village near Cheyyar town. “Public hearing is mandatory to give clearance for the setting up of a new quarry and crusher unit in the villages. Any objections or support for the new facility should be given in writing by participants, especially residents,” said a TNPCB official.

As per norms, TNPCB organises such public hearings only in cases where the proposed quarry or cluster of quarries are above five hectares of land together in the affected village. In other words, new standalone quarries or clusters of quarries that are less than five hectares will be given a nod without public hearings. The proposed stone quarry will be built in an over 10 acre plot. 

Residents said large tracts of paddy fields are located around the proposed stone quarry site in Palli village. Farmers also cultivate green chilli, brinjal, groundnuts, greens and mango. The proposed quarry could pollute groundwater and waterbodies in surrounding farming villages, and affect agricultural activities. “Farmers depend on agriculture and cattle rearing, for which clean water bodies are required. The new quarry could affect the livelihood of residents in surrounding villages,” said K. Sampath, a resident. 

Residents said noise from regular blasts in the proposed stone quarry will also affect senior citizens and children, and huge stone pieces from the quarry will fall on farmlands. Transport of excavated stones from the quarry will also damage village roads. Government bus and ambulance services will be affected.

TNPCB officials said at present, Tiruvannamalai district has around 150 stone quarries. Most quarries are located in Cheyyar, Vembakkam, Polur and Chetpet that were well-connected with adjoining districts.

Residents’ concerns will be submitted before the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) that will decide on issuing licenses for the new quarry. Renewal of quarries is done once in five years.