Severe scarcity of sand and inordinate delay in getting key building materials through lawful means have led to people seeking the aid of groups who trade in sand illegally mined from minor rivers like Cherupuzha in the district.
Rampant incidents of sand-mining have been reported from various points ( kadavu) of the Cherupuzha near Koduvally here during the last few months.
There are illegal sand agents working in the area to cater to people who are willing to “pay through their nose” to get sand on time, said Naufal Krurungat, a resident from Veluthedathu Kadavu, on the banks of Cherupuzha.
According to him, Cheerukandi kadavu, Mundupalathingal kadavu, and Moyedathu kadavu are some other major points where illegal sand-mining has been reported from.
The sand mafia members, according to the local residents, are using inflated tubes of vehicle tyres with tarpaulin sheets spread over it for carrying the sand through the shallow water after mining it from convenient points in the river. “Even school students living on the banks are being lured by mafia members for the mining activities,” said Karthik Kali, a resident from Kurungatt kadavu on the banks of Cherupuzha.
The sand thus collected from the river during the day will be filled in plastic sacks and transported to the “clients” in mini vehicles during the night.
“This is happening despite frequent complaints from various quarters including local residents. Water table in domestic wells is beginning to get depleted due to the mining activities,” said Salam Nadukkandy, an environmental activist from the region. According to Mr. Salam, strict action by the concerned authorities and constant vigil by the local people alone can put an end to this activity, which has far-reaching environmental implications.
The Koduvalli police conducted an inspection in the Mundupalathingal kadavu on Wednesday following a tip-off from residents. “But no person could be arrested,” said the police.
