Activists and farmers oppose new stone quarry at Thenpazhanji

Citing severe ecological damage and procedural lapses, environmental groups urge Madurai Collector Nishanth Krishna to reject the proposed quarry project. | Photo Credit: File photo A public hearing for a proposed rough stone and gravel quarry in Thenpazhanji village turned chaotic on Wednesday, as intense opposition from farmers and environmentalists clashed with support for the project.Residents criticised the administration, saying inadequate public notice had kept most of the affected villagers away.Farmers said existing quarries had already encroached on water channels, draining the 150-acre Thenpazhanji tank and damaging local agriculture.They pointed out that approved residences, temples, burial grounds and waterbodies were located well within the mandatory 300-metre buffer zone, in violation of the norms.They also highlighted that heavy, uncovered trucks carrying tonnes of material posed a danger on rural roads, while alleged illegal blasting and rampant dust pollution threatened public health.Further, activist Selvaraj said they had exposed missing statutory reports and manipulated decibel data in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which allegedly showed minimal noise levels.Ramalingam, State Coordinator of the Makkal Kalai Ilakkia Kazhagam, said former IAS officer U. Sagayam had brought to light several issues relating to the damage caused by quarries in the Melur area.Through their movement, they had also released documentaries and created awareness among the public about the damage caused by quarries in the Kachakatti area near Vadapazhanji, he said.As residents were suffering due to quarrying, the government should stop granting permission for new quarries, he said.Meanwhile, minor commotions broke out when supporters of the quarry demanded employment opportunities and accused those opposing the project of being outsiders.Citing severe ecological damage and procedural flaws, environmental movements urged Madurai District Collector Nishanth Krishna to scrap the public hearing and reject the quarry permit. Published - September 23, 2026 08:03 pm IST