With illegal sand mining continuing to pose a threat to River Noyyal, the Revenue Department has warned of strict action against those involving in the act.
The Department has warned of invoking provisions of Goondas Act against those who mine sand from Noyyal, the lifeline of Coimbatore.
Also, taluk-level task force has been formed to conduct patrols and check sand mining.
In addition, boards warning penal action against those engaging in sand mining have been erected at various parts of Perur taluk through which nearly 20 km of Noyyal passes.
The initiatives were taken after District Collector K. Rajamani instructed revenue officials in a recent meeting to take “all possible efforts” to stop sand mining.
“The taluk-level task force includes officials from the Public Works Department, Revenue Department and the police. The task force conducts patrols in areas where sand mining is rampant. The warning boards were erected to create a moral fear among those engaging in sand mining,” said K. Radhakrishnan, Tahsildar, Perur.
Alanthurai, Mathvarayapuram, Thennamanallur, Pooluvampatti, Semmedu, Pooluvapatti, Madampatti, Perur and Theethipalayam were identified as places where illegal sand mining was rampant.
Sand mined illegally from the river bed is transported through various modes including donkeys, two-wheelers, tractors and other good carriers. Donkeys are used to transport sand from difficult terrains that cannot be accessed by vehicles.
“We have already warned people who own donkeys about the consequences of using them for sand smuggling. Any mode of transport used for trafficking sand will be seized. This year alone, we have registered at least 13 cases of sand mining and seized vehicles,” said Mr. Radhakrishnan.
