Residents of the affected villages said that they also gave petitions at a grievance meeting.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Residents of Mangalam, Thellur, and Mummuni villages protested against the opening of a new outlet of Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) at Karai village on Vandavasi-Arani main road. After they learnt that efforts were being undertaken to open a Tasmac outlet on Vandavasi-Arani main road, more than 100 residents gathered in front of the outlet around 11 a.m. They raised slogans against opening of the outlet.Residents said that the village had a Tasmac outlet for many years that resulted in public inconvenience every day, especially during weekends. “The Vandavasi - Arani main road is a key stretch that connects big towns. Such an outlet on the stretch will result in traffic congestion, accidents, and inconvenience for road users,” said R. Somu, a resident.Revenue officials and police reached the spot and pacified the agitated residents, who dispersed peacefully after assurance from revenue officials that the new outlet would not be opened.
Residents said that the proposed outlet was located on the stretch where commuters from at least 20 surrounding farming villages came to board long-distance buses to Puducherry, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Salem, and Dharmapuri. The outlet was surrounded by two local temples, a Government High School, and a bank.
