CITU lodges complaint against contractor for illegal sand mining

Madurai: General secretary of the Sanitation Workers Union (CITU) M Balasubramaniam filed a police complaint on Saturday against waste management company “Ourland” alleging illegal excavation of sand from the Thiruparankundram tank.

He claimed a truck belonging to the company allegedly involved in illegal sand mining were intercepted on Friday night and handed over to the Thiruparankundram police by union workers.Based on the complaint, police issued a CSR. Police said the truck was used for sewage silt collection. Necessary action would be taken after revenue, and corporation officials inspect the contents in the vehicle, police added.Balasubramaniam sought a full investigation and legal action against the company staff and drivers under charges including sand theft, smuggling, and causing loss to the govt.CPM released a statement calling to cancel the contract with Ourland immediately. CPM district secretary said the contract with the Madurai corporation was for collecting 900 tonnes of garbage a day, but only around 750 tonnes were being collected, while the company claims around 1,750 tonnes were being handled daily. He said CPM councillors had raised the issue in council meetings as well.“We urge the corporation commissioner and the district administration to cancel Ourland’s contract immediately and conduct a proper inquiry into their irregularities,” Ganesan said.