Residents block sand trade in Thottappally

Alappuzha: Locals thwarted the attempt by Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) to transport mineral sand from Thottappally here. The protest could disrupt government’s plans to conduct deep sea sand mining off Alappuzha coast. It was on July 19, 2016 that dredging near Thottapally harbour was withdrawn following a public outcry. The protesters argued that it violated a High Court stay order. The fresh protests come at a time when there is distrust between CPM and CPI over deep sea sand mining after CPI-affiliated AITUC took a public stand against it.

The Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishat (KSSP) in November, 2016, had also demanded a comprehensive study on land lost to the sea for years at Arattupuzha, Purakkad and Ambalappuzha south panchayats due to the dredging at Thottappally. The dredging began in 2014 after the Fisheries and Ports Department approved 1,900 cubic metre sand at the rate of Rs 556 per cubic metre. According to studies, in the northern portion beyond Kayamkulam and extending up to Thottappally, the heavy mineral content is estimated at 17 million tonnes out of a total raw sand reserve of 242 million tonnes.

A.K. Baby, state working president, Matsyathozhilali Congress said they will not allow IREL to move a single load of sand from Thottappally till the court takes a decision.   “Cutting across political lines, we have decided to unanimously oppose the move. The indiscriminate sand mining has already caused serious environmental hazards including deterioration of people’s health in the area,” he said. This is second time in a year local people have blocked IREL’s bid to transport the mineral sand. The row broke out after a meeting called by J. Mercykutty Amma, minister for fisheries and harbour engineering, with representatives of local residents and fishermen community failed to resolve issues.

“Government has to give priority to development of Thottappally harbour instead of sand mining,” said V. Dinakaran, general secretary, Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha. “Both state and Central governments have to make their position clear on the future of the harbour. Otherwise, the fishermen will not allow sand to be taken away from the shore,” Mr Dinakaran added. Meanwhile, an IREL official said that they would not go ahead with work if people continue to carry out agitations. 'The IERL has removed sand accumulated to the mouth of harbour spending at least Rs 2crore in April after an order from Collector.  So if we get benefit for our work the mineral sand allowed to be moved out. Otherwise, our business will fall in loss. We will hold reconciliatory talks with the local people and only then we move the sand from area', official said.