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Quarries Choke Tamil Nadu Villages in Grey Dust
23 Nov
Summary
- Quarry dust blankets villages, turning trees and crops grey.
- Mining area in Kancheepuram district expanded significantly since 2006.
- Farmers struggle with contaminated water and reduced crop yields.
Villages in Uthiramerur taluk are being suffocated by grey dust from a proliferation of granite quarries and M-sand crushing units. This widespread pollution has transformed the landscape, coating trees, roadsides, and crops, impacting agricultural productivity and water sources for over 60 affected villages.
Farmers are leading a battle against these operations, highlighting issues like land encroachment, diversion of irrigation channels, and health problems such as asthma. Despite protests and appeals, regulatory bodies face challenges in enforcing environmental guidelines, leading to ongoing struggles for clean water and viable farming conditions.
The unchecked expansion of quarrying poses significant environmental threats, including potential desertification and groundwater depletion. While authorities acknowledge the complaints, the lack of alternative construction materials and robust legal frameworks hinders effective control, leaving communities to grapple with severe air and water pollution.
