Nagercoil(Tamil Nadu) | Apr 26, 2015: Fishermen strongly opposed sand mining by the government-owned Indian Rare Earths Limited (IRE) at Manavalakurichi, at the monthly grievances meeting held here on Friday.

They said sand quarries had been banned by the National and State Green Tribunals, but the IRE was continuing with sand removal and transportation with the help of heavy vehicles.

As it was opposed by the fishermen, a meeting was conducted by the Revenue Divisional Officer, and the issue of trip sheets was stopped, but still there was no change in the situation, and the officials of the Department of Mining were mute spectators, Berlin of Kurmbanai alleged.

Mr. Berlin further said due the functioning of the company, the people living in the coastal area were exposed to the danger of cancer.

Though the fishermen of Periyavilai and Chinnavilai supported the IRE, many people in those villages were affected with cancer, he added.

Collector Sajjansingh R. Chavan said a separate meeting would be convened to discuss the issue.

The fishermen also expressed concern over artificial sand dunes at Thengaipattinam as they formed a major hurdle for the fishermen while venturing into the sea with their equipment.

A fisherman, Anthony, demanded the government to issue photo identity cards to the fishermen.

The fishermen drew the attention of the officials to the bad condition of the road connecting Arogyapuram and Neerodi and short supply of ration goods in coastal villages. They also demanded implementation of the Comprehensive Drinking Water Scheme in Muttom.

Mr. Chavan said a proposal had been sent to the government for laying roads. Another proposal for setting up a desalination plant at an estimated cost of Rs. 103 crore had also been submitted to the government, he added.

(Source: http://www.thehindu.com/)