Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan informed the Assembly that the mining rules associated to sourcing clay for making bricks and pots can be relaxed | file picture
| Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ
Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, who additionally handles the Mines portfolio, on Thursday, April 13, 2023 informed the Assembly that the mining rules associated to sourcing clay for making bricks and pots can be relaxed in such a way that permission could possibly be obtained from the Additional Director (AD) Mines as a substitute of the District Collector.
“We will discuss the issue with the Chief Minister and relax the rules. Since the collectors are overburdened with work there is a delay in obtaining permission to collect clay,” he stated whereas replying to a calling consideration movement moved by the Opposition members, who complained that the delay in acquiring permission had induced huge hardship to brick and pottery makers.
He stated the worth of brick had elevated from ₹6 per piece to ₹13 due to the sooner ban on the manufacturing of bricks in Coimbatore district. “Since the National Green Tribunal has granted permission to run brick kilns in Coimbatore, the prince will come down,” he stated.
Mr. Duraimurugan stated Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvalluvar districts, had the potential of producing a income of ₹20,000 crore via the gathering of clay for making bricks and pots. “There was a ban in three districts. Now we have asked the collectors to grant permission and Chengalpattu Collector has worked effectively on the issue,” he stated.
AIADMK member N. Thalavai Sundaram stated brick producers had to spend ₹5.95 for its production and pay a deposit of ₹8 per brick within the workplace of AD mines.
