Members of Tamil Nadu Granite Quarries, Factories and Dependent Labourers Welfare Association observed a fast in Melur on Tuesday urging the government to reopen the granite quarries that were previously functioning in the area.
Claiming that around 170 quarries were operating in Madurai district earlier, they said cases were filed against only 84 quarries when the alleged illegal quarrying scam was unearthed in 2012.
Arguing that closure of all granite quarries had resulted in loss of livelihood for thousands of workers, the association members said the quarries that did not face any cases must be allowed to function immediately. They also urged the government to expedite the trial of the cases filed against the 84 quarries.
The association appealed to the State government to permit reopening of granite polishing factories in the district, which were providing employment to hundreds of workers.
A number of people from Melur and nearby villages, who were previously employed in granite quarries, took part in the fast.
Source: www.thehindu.com
