Sand quarries to be leased out

News: ePaper | Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Retail Plus | Classifieds | Jobs | Obituary |

Front Page Printer Friendly Page Send this Article to a Friend

Sand quarries to be leased out

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced that sand quarries in the State would be leased out through tenders and open auction, thus ending its monopoly.

The District Collectors have been empowered to float tenders and conduct auction. The new system would come into force in July, a State government release said.

In October 2, 2003, when the AIADMK was in power, it scrapped all existing sand quarrying leases in Tamil Nadu. The Public Works Department was given the responsibility of quarrying and selling sand to consumers though storage depots.

The DMK government, however, has decided to revert to the system that existed before October, 2003. A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi decided to lease out quarries “with a view to expanding quarrying and selling sand.” It is also necessary to ensure intense monitoring of quarrying and protect drinking water sources, the government said. It was also decided to conduct a meeting of senior police officials in the State on May 25 at the Secretariat. Besides, a two-day conference of District Collectors and Superintendents of Police will be held on June 19 and 20 to discuss the law and order situation, the progress of development schemes and various government projects.