COIMBATORE: Environmentalists alleged that individuals from Nanjundapuram, with the support of politicians from local bodies, are illegally mining red sand from Thadagam Valley for construction works in recent days.
S Ganesh, one of the petitioners against illegal red sand mining in Thadagam Valley said, “The area of Thiruvalluvar Nagar connected to Kanurvai Anvavi Subramaniyar Temple Hill in Nanjundapuram Panchayat is encroached by some people. They have taken red sand for construction works.
The area comes under the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA). Leopard and wild elephants’ movements are reported frequently in the area. Without getting any proper approval, the private persons split up into layouts and started construction activity.
As office bearers in Nanjuandapuram panchayat are not acting against the encroachment and sand mining.” He further urged the geology and mining department to act swiftly to prevent illegal construction. Attempts to contact the Assistant Director of the Geology and Mining Department went in vain.