Potters from Anamalai taluk have submitted a petition to the district administration seeking permission for free extraction of clay from Kothavadi lake in Kinathukadavu taluk for traditional pottery work.

In their representation, they said the lake has been a source of clay for generations, which is used to manufacture stoves, pots, lamps, idols and other items for festivals and daily use.

They also stated that each family requires around one tractor load of clay annually for their work. They urged the administration to ensure timely access to the clay resource and protect and sustain the traditional pottery trade.

In another petition submitted during the grievance redress meeting held at the Collectorate in Coimbatore on Monday, SDPI functionaries sought measures to control the stray dog population.

They said the increasing number of stray dogs has raised safety concerns, with incidents of dogs chasing pedestrians and two-wheeler riders and causing road accidents.

They also pointed to disturbance during night hours due to barking and movement of dogs in groups. They urged the administration to capture stray dogs and carry out sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination drives.

A separate petition submitted by Makkal Needhi Maiam sought deployment of drone cameras for police stations in suburban and rural areas. Referring to the recent murder case involving a child in Sulur, the petition said drone surveillance in isolated stretches could help strengthen patrolling and prevent crime.