TRICHY | Sept 24, 2015: A group of BJP members called off a sit-in protest after revenue officials accepted to take action against sand mining in Kollidam river in Trichy on Wednesday.

The district has been witnessing protests against sand mining in Cauvery river and Kollidam. A group of people led by BJP functionary K Sarveshwaran joined the bandwagon, protesting against the functioning of a sand quarry in Kondaiyampettai in Kollidam.

Sarveshwaran said the sand quarry was functioning despite the expiry of the license period. He demanded the public works department, river conservancy division, to stop mining operations in the quarry, citing ground water depletion that has led to scarcity of water for irrigation in areas like Melakondaiyampettai, Thiruvalarcholai and Panayapuram on the stretch.

"The quarry in Kondaiyampatti has been operating for more than three years. It continued to be operated even after the license expired few months ago. Sand has been taken out from the quarry illegally. Such indiscriminate sand mining is taking its toll on the farming community," said Sarveshwaran.

The protestors had come to Srirangam Taluk office to stage the sit-in strike. Following it, officials led by Srirangam Tahsildar Sumathi convened a peace committee meeting with officials from RC Division of PWD, assistant commissioner of police S Kabilan and protestors.

PWD officials reportedly denied the charges of mining beyond expiry date and claimed they have records to proof it. The protestors also raised an issue about careless transportation of sand in trucks. They complained that sands were spilled from uncovered trucks, causing inconvenience and even accidents.

The officials concerned were told to fix the problems within a week's time. Following it, the protestors dispersed.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)