Officials of the Mineral Resources Department seized a truck carrying 1.5 tonnes of red sand which was being transported in a truck without permission, near Alanthurai in Coimbatore district. The police are on the lookout for the absconding driver and owner.
Coimbatore: In the light of many instances of red soil being removed in the Thadagam area of Coimbatore in violation of the Government's order, the Madras High Court has ordered the sealing of brick kilns, stating that there was a looting of mineral resources without permission.
In the last few months, there have been complaints that red sand is being smuggled and illegally manufactured in Thondamuthur and Alanthurai surrounding areas. The Mineral Resources Department received a tip-off that red soil is being smuggled from Alanthurai. Based on this, officials led by the Mineral Resources Department Vattachiyar Premalatha conducted a vehicle check at Alanthurai, on Thursday night.
The driver of the truck fled from the scene when officials stopped the truck. On checking the truck, it was found that the truck contained 1.5 units of red soil. Following this, the officials seized the truck and handed it over to the Alanthurai police station. Alanthurai police have registered a case and are on the lookout for the absconding driver and owner.