New Govt's Vigilance Slashes Sand Smuggling

Illegal sand mining in Karur district, which was once rampant along the Cauvery and Amaravati rivers, has significantly declined. Environmentalists had previously reported illegal activities at approximately 30 sites on the riverbeds. This situation began to change following the Enforcement Directorate's searches in September 2023 and the subsequent closure of legal quarries.

Since the new TVK government assumed office in May, enhanced vigilance and strict law enforcement have been implemented. Officials report a drastic decrease in sand smuggling, with only three cases booked in August. The Superintendent of Police noted a substantial drop in complaints regarding smuggled sand transport, attributing this to the new administration's focus and a lack of political interference in enforcement actions.

Environmental groups acknowledge the positive change, observing a marked reduction in organized sand smuggling since June. While some small-scale, individual sand transportation persists, the large-scale illegal operations have largely ceased. This is seen as a welcome development after periods where officials were perceived as less responsive to such activities.