Residents and environmental activists on Monday staged a road blockade protesting against the stone quarry operation in Kachirayanpatti in Melur taluk in Madurai district.

They said the stone quarry was operating in violation of rules and regulations. The quarry site was located near Aruvimalai which was an area declared by the government as having archaeological significance and an ancient Shiva temple. Devotees from far and near visit the temple and offer their prayers.

The residents said the site was surrounded by extensive agricultural lands. They complained mineral resources were being extracted beyond permitted limits.

The quarry operations were being carried out round the clock. The noise and vibrations caused by the use of the explosives had affected the people. Drinking water pipelines were damaged affecting water supply, they said.

The State government recently closed stone quarries operating in violation of rules in Madurai district. Similarly, the stone quarry in Kachirayanpatti should also be closed, they said.

They urged the State government to conduct an inquiry into the complaints and initiate action against officials and persons responsible for the irregularities in granting the permit.