Tiruvannamalai Villagers Raise Concerns Over Proposed Stone Quarry Near Cheyyar

Residents of five villages in Tiruvannamalai district have voiced strong opposition to a proposed stone quarry and crusher unit in Palli village, near Cheyyar town. The public hearing, chaired by Sub Collector S. Madhu Cheziyan and organized by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), was held to gather feedback from the community.

Under TNPCB norms, public hearings are mandatory for quarries or clusters covering more than five hectares. The proposed quarry is on a plot exceeding 10 acres, thus requiring such a hearing. According to a TNPCB official, written objections or support from participants, especially residents, are considered before clearance is granted.

Villagers from Palli, Irumanthangal, Mottur Nagar, Vadakkanpattu, and Mangalam—mostly farmers and traders—expressed fears that the quarry would pollute groundwater and nearby water bodies, harming agriculture and cattle rearing. K. Sampath, a resident, stated, 'Farmers depend on agriculture and cattle rearing, for which clean water bodies are required. The new quarry could affect the livelihood of residents in surrounding villages.'

Other concerns included noise from blasts affecting senior citizens and children, stones falling on farmlands, and damage to village roads from transport vehicles, which could disrupt bus and ambulance services. The area is known for paddy fields as well as crops like green chilli, brinjal, groundnuts, greens, and mango.

TNPCB officials noted that Tiruvannamalai district already has around 150 stone quarries, mainly in Cheyyar, Vembakkam, Polur, and Chetpet. All resident concerns will be submitted to the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), which will decide on issuing licenses. Quarry licenses are renewed every five years.