Tamil Nadu sand lorry owners protest in Trichy

More than 500 sand lorry owners and drivers staged a protest in front of the Public Works Department (PWD) office in Tiruchirappalli on Friday. The demonstrators, organized by the Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Association, are demanding the immediate reopening of government-operated sand quarries across the state.

According to association representatives, these quarries have remained non-operational since 2023 following Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches and subsequent legal cases. The suspension of operations has reportedly impacted the livelihoods of over 55,000 lorry owners, along with numerous drivers and bullock-cart workers who depend on sand transportation.

Association president Chella Rasamani stated that no court has ordered the closure of the quarries and urged the state government to intervene to protect the livelihoods of those in the sector. Protesters warned that demonstrations would intensify across the state if their demands are not met.