Synopsis
K. Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP President, has accused the DMK government of not addressing mineral smuggling in the state. Following the seizure of two trucks, he claims that DMK members are profiting from illegal mining while endangering resources and construction material availability.Key Takeaways
- DMK's Inaction: Accusations against the ruling party for failing to tackle mineral smuggling.
- Resource Exploitation: Claims that DMK affiliates are illegally profiting from Tamil Nadu's mineral wealth.
- Environmental Concerns: Rising fear among activists following the murder of a prominent anti-quarry activist.
- Financial Impact: Potential revenue loss due to illegal mining activities.
- Call for Action: Activists demand government intervention to safeguard resources and ensure safety.
Chennai, March 16 (NationPress) The President of Tamil Nadu BJP, K. Annamalai, has criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government for its inaction against mineral smuggling occurring within the state.
His comments follow the recent confiscation of two trucks reportedly utilized for smuggling minerals into Kerala.
In a statement on social media platform X, Annamalai asserted, "Since the DMK took power, Tamil Nadu has been exploited for its mineral wealth. This unlawful activity is being executed exclusively by DMK affiliates, robbing the state of its precious resources and leading to a scarcity of construction materials. Consequently, the public is compelled to pay inflated prices for these essential materials."
The BJP leader further claimed that DMK members are profiting from the state's resources while the government remains indifferent.
Annamalai questioned the government’s inaction regarding mineral smuggling from border districts, including Coimbatore, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Tenkasi.
He demanded information on when authorities would act against those accountable, particularly the truck owners implicated in the smuggling.
Previously, Annamalai accused the DMK of relying on "illegal mineral theft gangs" to support its campaign for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
He stated that illegal mining and smuggling activities have surged since the DMK came into power.
Two gangs operating in Pudukkottai and Karur were specifically mentioned, with allegations of their involvement in illegal mining and cross-border smuggling to Kerala.
Annamalai also connected the murder of anti-stone quarry activist K. Jagaber Ali in Pudukkottai district to the government’s supposed negligence.
He remarked that Ali's assassination was a clear indication of the DMK administering a "disaster model" government.
Jagaber Ali was tragically killed by a tipper lorry on the Vengalur-K. Pallivasal Road on January 17, 2025.
Since then, five individuals have been detained, and the Crime Branch is conducting an investigation into the incident. Ali's death sent shockwaves through the environmental activist community, with many expressing fears for their safety due to purported threats from illegal mining operators.
In light of Ali's murder, activists are urging the Tamil Nadu government to take control of all stone quarries in the state. They contend that this action could yield at least Rs 1 lakh crore in revenue, whereas the government currently receives only Rs 1,835 crore annually from mining activities.
Reports indicate that Tamil Nadu possesses around 12,000 stone quarries, legally permitted to mine up to 60 feet deep.
However, illegal operations are estimated to extend significantly beyond this depth, resulting in environmental harm and safety issues. Following Ali's death, the Federation of Environmental Activists convened with his family and demanded Rs 1 crore in compensation for them.
Activists are also pressing the Pudukkottai district administration to take stringent measures against illegal stone quarries in the area.
N. Shanmugham, a coordinator of the movement against illegal stone quarrying, criticized government officials for failing to safeguard activists.
"We risk our lives to protect the environment and alert authorities about illegal mining. Yet, the authorities frequently neglect to act promptly, permitting illegal activities to persist unchecked," he told the media.
As concerns about illegal mining increase, activists and opposition leaders continue to demand more robust government intervention to combat smuggling and ensure the safety of individuals who advocate against these practices.
