Entry of load carrying vehicles banned

The Revenue Department has imposed section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure banning entry of load carrying vehicles in villages of Odiyampet, Manalipet, Koodapakkam, Olavaikal and Sellipet as a step towards checking illegal sand mining.

Sub Divisional Magistrate (South ) Villianur, N. Udayakumar in his order said the entry of vehicles such as lorry, van, bullock carts and other load carrying vehicles (except vehicles relating to funeral) was banned in the five villages surrounding the Sankaraparani River and the Thenpenniar.

He said efforts were taken to check sand mining by establishing round-the-clock check posts. The illegal mining of sand had caused deep trenches in areas adjoining the villages. The formation of trenches could pose danger to human life as it could get flooded during rains.

It could also lead to environmental damage and depletion of groundwater. Any person found violating the order would be punished under section 188 (punishment for disobedience) of the IPC, he said.