Despite several laws intended to serve as deterrents, soil-mining continues unabated in various parts of the State, leading to irreversible ecological consequences. Thiruvallam, situated close to the capital city, is one such region that has been wantonly exploited through indiscriminate mining as well as extensive land reclamation over the course of several years. The area was once replete with several hills and valleys and is blessed with the sole rain-fed freshwater lake in the district, Vellayani Lake.
The indiscriminate soil-mining has resulted in severe depletion of groundwater resources. The apathy of the authorities in preventing such activities has left the residents a worried lot.
The unchecked soil mining, using heavy machinery, had led to widespread protests many years ago in the region. It was then that an environmental impact assessment was conducted by the Centre for Earth Science Studies. The study revealed irrevocable damages to the ecology. In April 1997, the Kerala High Court directed the authorities to enforce a ban on soil-mining in the Thiruvallam region. The District Collector was directed to issue permits for all activities, including minor levelling for the purpose of construction, only by adhering to strict norms and after conducting physical verification.
The court directive was strictly enforced until very recently when the problem started to resurface yet again. During the past few months, the region has been witnessing excessive soil-mining in violation of the directive.
“The unholy nexus between the soil mafia and the political power centres has left us with no doors to knock for justice. The fact that none of the people’s representatives has pledged support for our struggle, despite several pleas, speaks volumes about the influence of those behind the soil-mining on them,” says P.T. Ajith Kumar, president of Chuvadukal, a forum that has been spearheading an agitation on the issue.
He said those protesting against the excavation of soil at Thiruvallam had come under threats many a time.
“Our attempts at seeking police action have also come to a naught.
“However, this was not a matter of surprise considering that they have remained helpless even in preventing the illegal soil-mining that was happening right behind the premises of the Thiruvallam police station,” Dr. Kumar said.
The residents are now gearing up to file a petition seeking contempt of court proceedings against those responsible for the illegal earth-moving operations.
Residents allege unholy nexus between soil mafia, politicians
Plan to file petition seeking contempt of court proceedings
