Chennai,  The Tamil Nadu State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (TNSEIAA) is to make a final decision regarding a new stone quarry at Gobichettipalayam in Erode district. This follows strong objections from environmental activists as the quarry is close to Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).

There are, however, different opinions. A section of the local people support the quarry in the area as it would provide employment to several people. The environmental activists said that the quarry would damage the tranquility prevailing at Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve and could lead to wildlifes too. The population of Tigers and Elephants are in abundance in the forest area.

Tamilselvan, Coordinator of the movement against illegal stone quarries while speaking to IANS said: "The place is very close to Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. There is objection to even honking in these areas and night travel is also restricted in some parts and yet the proposal is for a new quarry. It will be objected to intensely."

He said that the revenue officials who had done the survey for the stone quarry had hidden facts regarding several temples present in the area, other than farmlands.

Muthukannan, a local farmer near STR, while speaking to IANS said: "The government authorities were here on Wednesday to take stock of the situation at the ground level. There were strong objections to the establishment of a stone quarry in the area and now it is for the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority to accord sanction. We will object to this strongly and won't allow any quarrying in the area."

With the local people on a confrontational course about the quarry project, another duel between officials and environmentalists will break out if the state government gives its clearance.