Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Association’s proposed indefinite strike withdrawn

Image used for representational purposes
| Photo Credit: R. Vengadesh

The proposed indefinite strike by the Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Association, scheduled to begin on May 23, to press for the reopening of sand quarries, was withdrawn after Minister for Natural Resources S. Regupathy assured the association that he would take up the issue with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for necessary action.

In a press release, the association’s president Sella Rajamani said that the sand quarries have remained closed for the past one and a half years. The association has been urging the State government to reopen the quarries, take steps to prevent overloading in lorries, and ensure that only the permissible maximum weight is transported. Additionally, the association has demanded a reduction in the prices of M-Sand, P-Sand, and gravel by quarry crusher owners. In support of these demands, the association had announced an indefinite strike starting May 23, during which no lorries would operate across the State.

However, the Minister, who recently assumed office, held talks with representatives of the association and quarry owners on May 20 at the Secretariat. He informed them that the Supreme Court, on May 19, had clarified that there is no ban on reopening quarries in the State. He assured that once the official copy of the court’s order is received, the matter would be taken up with the Chief Minister. The Minister also assured that strict action would be taken against lorries found to be overloaded and against quarries violating regulations.

Given these assurances, the association has decided to withdraw the proposed indefinite strike, the release added.