(PART ONE / PHOTOS)
MADURAI: The granite quarry issue which had rocked the lives of people in Melur taluk in Madurai district due to closure of granite quarries had gained national attention on December 31st 2018 as the affected people and families stepped up their demand for opening up of quarries by the State Government.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes had held a PUBLIC HEARING in Melur to hear the people’s woes and their plight ever since 147 granite quarries were closed citing “misconceived” reasons six years ago.
SC COMMISSION VICE-CHAIRMAN:
The Vice-Chairman of National SC Commission in New Delhi, Mr.L.Murugan, met the affected poor people who lost their livelihood, wages and employment after the closure of quarries.
He received petitions and representations from several people from Melur area who have been demanding the Tamil Nadu State government to revoke the closure decision keeping the plight of poor families in mind.
In the public hearing on December 31st 2018, officials from various government departments who are connected with granting licenses / monitoring of granite quarries were present and they gave a preliminary briefing / data to Mr.Murugan.
PEOPLE’S PLIGHT AND TAMIN QUARRY:
“The National SC Commission had received appeals from the people of Madurai district to look into their pathetic situation due to lack of jobs and loss of livelihood.
“We will soon ask for a detailed report from the Madurai district Collector and senior officials of State Government. After that we will take this issue forward……The important demand of opening the State government’s TAMIN granite quarry will also be taken up…..All relevant info will be taken from mines and minerals department – etc…..”. assured the National SC Commission Vice-Chairman Mr.Murugan at the Melur public hearing on Dec 31st 2018 Monday evening.
BJP LEADERS FACILITATED:
This important public hearing which was conducted by the district authorities was facilitated by a team of BJP leaders led by Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary Prof.Dr.R.Srinivasan, who narrated the sequence of events with regard to closure of granite quarries to the National SC Commission.
Already, the BJP Madurai Rural district unit had took out a two-day massive public campaign in Melur taluk on December 16th and 17th 2018 to express its solidarity to the affected families.
Prof.Dr.R.Srinivasan had then demanded for quick opening of 63 granite quarries which are not facing any cases or complaints.
Mr.Maha.Suseendhran, BJP Madurai Rural district president and Mr.K.R.Murali Ramasamy, were among those who accompanied Mr.Murugan.
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