Tamil Nadu BJP state secretary Vinoj P Selvam has alleged rampant illegal mining near Madurai district, calling upon Chief Minister MK Stalin to intervene and take immediate action.
According to Vinoj, unauthorised mining is being carried out throughout the day in the rocky terrains surrounding Alanganallur, particularly in the hills of Vaguthumalai and Vannathimalai at Kondayampatti village in the northern part of the district. Vinoj also stated that visuals from the area, shot during night hours, reveal earthmovers operating continuously, with the affected region stretching as far as the neighbouring Dindigul district.
The BJP leader also raised concerns about the ecological impact of the mining activity, pointing out that several wild animals, including deer and boars, inhabit the area. He added that the use of explosives during these illegal operations poses a serious threat to both wildlife and local residents. “As per government rule, mining operations are to be conducted between 7am to 6 pm, while in Vaguthumalai, earthmovers are seen operating round the clock which also pose serious danger to lives of humans and wild animals,” he said.
He further criticised the ruling DMK and Chief Minister Stalin for failing to take action despite having previously claimed credit for halting the proposed tungsten mining project in the region. “I challenge Chief Minister Stalin to act against the illegal mining plaguing Madurai and its surroundings. During the tungsten mining episode, the Chief Minister and DMK claimed it was them who stopped the mining from being initiated contrary to the fact that Union Minister Kishan Reddy had met with farmers and after that ensured to call off the project,” he said.
Vinoj also drew parallels with the past, alleging that similar environmental degradation occurred during the tenure of former chief minister Karunanidhi. “During ex-chief minister Karunanidhi’s tenure, the same Madurai saw scores of illegal operators break away mountains for their benefits causing irreparable damage to the environment and the government coffers. The story repeats under his son Stalin’s rule,” he claimed.