The Indefinite Relay Satyagraha, which was going on under the aegis of Karimal Ghana Virudha Ekopana Committee against mineral sand mining in Thottapalli, completed 500 days on Saturday.
On this occasion, the committee members protested by stopping mining at Thottapally fishing port. The committee alleged that indiscriminate mineral sand mining in the port and Thottapalli Poozhi is posing serious health risks to the local population. It demanded an immediate halt to all mining activities.
Local residents allege that the state government is engaged in large-scale mining of mineral sand in Pozhi under the guise of flood mitigation in Kuttanad and the port in the name of development. The beach is prone to severe sea waves and coastal erosion. Residents fear that mining will prove harmful to people living along the shoreline from Valiyazhikkal to Punnapara.
The removed sand is taken to Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited and Indian Rare Earths Limited.