Coimbatore: DMDK leader K.Vijaykanth has called for a CBI probe into illegal mining of minerals in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts. The actor-turned-politician has also called for a state-wide probe into irregularities in the mining of all minerals and stones in Tamil Nadu. Addressing the party’s general body meeting in Coimbatore, Vijayakanth said that a probe, similar to the illegal granite quarrying in Madurai, should be conducted in all other districts across Tamil Nadu.

He said the former Madurai Collector U. Sahayam, who is probing into granite quarrying, should be given adequate security. “The high court should order a probe into irregularities in sand mining in all other districts. The private sand quarries mine into abysmal depths in violation of norms causing a dip in ground water level and degradation of the environment. “ Pointing out that Tamil Nadu has recorded an average 3.39 per cent of economic growth, which is less than the average national growth of 4.5 per cent; he said “The drop in growth rate of Tamil Nadu to lesser than the national average shows the poor administration of the government.

Reasons for the negative growth include bribery, power cuts, and lack of infrastructure facilities. Hence the state should be taken on the path of growth and generate job opportunities for youngsters,” he said. Vijayakanth also urged the state government to implement total prohibition. The party’s general body adopted resolutions condemning hike in milk prices, electricity charges, and poor condition of roads and demanding upgradation of hospitals to prevent death of newborn children and women.

He also sought interlinking of rivers by the central government to boost farming and alleviate water-related woes of farmers.. “There is an increasing conflict among Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in sharing of water. Hence, the Central government should grant permission for water projects only after holding talks and bringing about a consensus on such issues among these states. The long overdue project of interlinking of rivers in Tamil Nadu should be revived and implemented by the state and central governments,” he said.