Farmers have opposed the permission given to operate a stone quarry and crusher unit at Vadapalai in Tiruchuli taluk claiming that quarrying activity will ruin the groundwater table that has been helping the farmers to carry out their farming operations in the region.
Granting of permission for the quarry without even holding public hearing was illegal, said R. Ram Pandian, Virudhunagar district president of Cauvery Vaigai Kiruthumal Gundar Irrigation Farmers’ Federation.
In a statement, Mr. Ram said that the quarry would cause great danger to 15 villages around Vadapalai.
The farmers of Vadapalai, Ilangipatti, P. Thottiyankulam, Manavarenthal, Pannai Moondradaippu, Krishnapuram, P.M. Puthupatti, Kurinjankulam, Puliyooran, Pulikurichi, and Paraikulam, were dependent on lift irrigation for their livelihood.
They were cultivating jasmine, paddy, sugarcane, banana, groundnut, brinjal, ladies finger, tomato, onion, cotton and maize.
The hard-working farmers were carrying out agricultural operations throughout the year with the help of well irrigation.
The quarry and crusher unit will affect the land, water, air and environment.
The dust particles emitted by the crusher unit will cause respiratory problems to he local people, the statement said.
Schools nearby
A private school was located near the site of the proposed quarry where over 500 students were studying.
In a radius of five km, eight primary schools were functioning in as many panchayats. Besides anganwadi centres, private schools were also functioning in its vicinity.
Mr. Ram Pandian also condemned permitting a quarry that could ruin a region where agriculture has been the major occupation.
The federation has threatened to mobile people of 15 villages and lay siege to the office of Revenue Divisional Officer at Aruppukottai on February 12, if the permission for the quarry was not withdrawn.
Published – February 04, 2026 05:12 pm IST
