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River Dredging Sparks Fury: Residents Threaten Blockade
22 Feb
Summary
- An expert committee submitted its report on Korapuzha river dredging to the district collector.
- Residents allege illegal sand extraction disguised as silt removal, halting work.
- Protesters fear environmental damage including dwindling well water and saline intrusion.
An expert committee, led by Assistant Collector S. Mohanapriya, has submitted its findings on the dredging works in the Korapuzha river to District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh. The committee's visit to Mattuvayal and subsequent meeting with officials informed their report.
Recent mass protests erupted following allegations of illegal sand extraction disguised as routine dredging to remove silt and sediment. These demonstrations, involving residents and political parties, led to a temporary suspension of the dredging work, which began in 2022 and aims to remove two lakh cubic metres of soil. Protesters previously blocked sand transport and demolished a temporary bridge allegedly used for illicit activities.
Concerns raised by residents include the "indiscriminate" sand mining without adequate oversight, attempts to dump sludge within the Mattuvayal area contrary to contract conditions, dwindling water levels in open wells, and saline intrusion into water sources. The dredging, intended to improve navigation for fishing boats and mitigate flooding, covers a stretch from the estuary to the railway bridge.
Following the protests, Minister A. K. Saseendran intervened, leading to the appointment of the expert committee. The District Collector is expected to convene a meeting to discuss the report and decide on the resumption of dredging operations. Residents have stated they will block any attempts to restart the work.
