Farmers Block Road Over Stone Quarry Menace

Residents of Usithoppu village, near Vaniyambadi town, staged a protest by blocking a main road to object against the incessant operation of lorries supplying a private stone quarry and tar plant. The villagers, many of whom are farmers and traders, have long been concerned about the quarry's adverse effects.

These impacts include pollution of water bodies and groundwater, damage to newly-laid roads from frequent lorry movement, and risks to life from quarry blasts. Farmers reported that large stone pieces from blasts have fallen into their fields. The constant lorry traffic has also led to reduced bus services and forced ambulances to take a five-kilometer detour.

The protest was peacefully dispersed after revenue officials and police assured the agitated residents that their concerns would be addressed. The villagers have consistently demanded the closure of the existing quarry or stringent regulation of its operations to protect their livelihoods and infrastructure.