Tiruvannamalai villagers block new Tasmac outlet on busy highway

More than 100 residents from Mangalam, Thellur, and Mummuni villages gathered near Karai village on the Vandavasi-Arani main road on Tuesday morning to oppose the opening of a new Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) outlet. The protest began around 11 a.m. after word spread that efforts were underway to set up the shop at that location.

The protesters raised slogans and pointed out that the area had already suffered for years due to an existing Tasmac outlet, which caused daily public nuisance, especially on weekends. They argued that the Vandavasi-Arani road is a key corridor linking major towns, and placing another liquor shop there would lead to traffic congestion, accidents, and general inconvenience for commuters.

Residents also noted that the proposed outlet was surrounded by two temples, a government high school, and a bank. The stretch is used by people from at least 20 surrounding farming villages who board long-distance buses to Puducherry, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Salem, and Dharmapuri.

Revenue officials and police arrived at the spot and pacified the crowd. After officials assured that the new outlet would not be opened at that site, the protesters dispersed peacefully. The affected villagers had earlier submitted petitions during a grievance meeting chaired by the District Collector. Tasmac officials said an alternative location for the outlet would be identified.