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In a representation to water resources minister N Anand, Tamil Nadu Sand truck Owners Federation and Tamil Nadu State Sand truck Owners Associations Federation president Sella Rasamani said the quarries had remained non-operational since Enforcement Directorate began investigating alleged illegal sand mining in Sept 2023. The federation said a statewide protest by truck owners, drivers and bullock cart workers outside public works department chief engineer’s office in Trichy on Oct 16 was temporarily withdrawn after officials assured them that discussions would be held with govt.
He said vehicle owners were struggling to repay loans and meet expenses. “The measure would help restore agricultural land affected by recurring floods and meet demand for sand,” they said. The federation proposed a regulated procurement and distribution system for M-Sand and B-Sand, similar to the state’s liquor retail model. Under the proposal, Department of Geology and Mining would procure quality-certified material from private producers, stock it at govt depots and distribute it online to ensure fair prices and quality. As no announcement had followed, they urged the minister to meet their representatives and expedite the reopening of govt sand quarries in the state.