Date:29/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/29/stories/2007012917860100.htm

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Sand traders flay contractors

Staff Reporter

KARUR: Low returns against huge input costs have put the sand traders operating to Erode, Coimbatore and Tirupur in deep trouble. They allege that the exorbitant amount being charged by the loading contractor on behalf of Public Works Department (PWD) at the quarries on the Cauvery is the cause for all trouble.

A couple of months after the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam came to power, the State Government entrusted mining and loading sand from the riverbed to private contractors."The receipt issued by the PWD is only for two units whereas they load four units. We are forced to pay Rs. 2,100 while the permit states that the price is Rs. 624 inclusive of tax,'' says P. Sundarakumar, a driver from Ganapathy area of Coimbatore.

"Who does the loading is not important, but how much he charges is," says T. Anabalagan, a driver from Anjur. The amount he pays at the quarry robs the lorry owner and himself of profit. "I should be paying only Rs. 1,248 but I am forced to part with Rs. 2,100," he says.

The Erode District Sand Lorry Owners and Traders' Association has been mounting a campaign against the exorbitant charges being levied at the quarries besides the issue of permits for just half the quantum of sand loaded. Based on a plea filed before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, they point out that a heavy sum is being siphoned off every day by showing just half the quantum mined in the Cauvery.