The issue of alleged irregularities in mines of beach minerals came to the fore after former Tuticorin collector, Ashish Kumar, had conducted inspections at a private sand quarry.

Probe to look into alleged irregularities in 71 mineral quarries in the southern districts.

A special team will also survey 71 mines in these southern districts, said chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

Efforts have been made for scientific closure of existing dumping sites in urban local bodies (ULB) across the State, said the Commissionerate of Municipal Administration (CMA) in its report to the

Environmental clearances granted last year to Public Works Department for sand quarrying in 21 places on the river beds of Coleroon and Cauvery are now under the scrutiny of the National Green Trib

Protests staged at various places in delta districts

Cadres of the CPI-affiliated Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam took out rallies and staged demonstrations at various places in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts protesting against the proposed coal-bed methane (CBM) project from the delta districts.

Of the 1,122 samples of potable water collected from homes in six districts in Tamil Nadu, NGO Consumers Association of India (CAI) found that at least 50 per cent of the water had E.

Distribution of compensation to farmers in non-delta areas of the district for crop losses suffered by them owing to the monsoon failure began on Saturday.

About 37,745 farmers will get relief ranging from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 an acre in the district. The State government has allotted Rs.16.96 crore for the purpose. Farmers who had raised paddy and suffered losses will be get Rs. 5,000 an acre.

Team visits delta regions in Tiruchi, Thanjavur, and Tiruvarur districts

Farmers representatives sought to impress upon the Central team that toured the delta districts on Tuesday the need for sanctioning relief quickly to all farmers as the drought has had a severe impact. Several farmers also insisted that the Centre sanction the full quantum of compensation sought by the State (which has sought about Rs.19,665 crore as drought relief).

Power situation likely to ease after six months: Annadurai

At a time when the State is reeling under acute power crisis, industrial units can make use of solar energy wherever possible for their electricity requirements that would not only help in cutting down their power tariff bills but also help in conserving electricity, P. Annadurai, Chief Engineer-Distribution, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, Tiruchi region, said on Sunday.