Udhayakumar seeks action against illegal quarrying in Kalligudi

Madurai: Deputy leader of the opposition and Thirumangalam MLA, R B Udhayakumar, on Tuesday urged the Madurai district administration officials to take action against illegal quarrying operations in villages in Kalligudi taluk, Madurai district.In his letter of representation to Madurai district collector, Udhayakumar stated that several quarries are functioning in Kallanai, Nedungulam, Chinna Ulagani, Periya Ulagani, Thoombakulam Pudur and Achankulam in Kalligudi taluk in the district. The excessive use of explosives in these quarries is affecting agricultural activities in the villages. The pond in Kallanai village is completely encroached upon for quarry operations.Students from the villages travel to their school through the pathway situated along the quarries. The excessive use of explosives poses a threat to the students. To prevent the illegal and excessive quarrying of minerals and to safeguard agricultural activities, the villagers continuously protested, urging officials to take action against illegal quarrying activities.He also submitted several representations in 2025 to district administration officials, seeking appropriate action. Though the officials assured action, no steps were taken. Hence, he urged the collector to take appropriate steps to prevent illegal and excessive extraction of minerals in the villages, to protect the natural mineral wealth and the livelihood of the villagers.