Environmentalists raise alarm over ‘illegal’ sand mining in Bharathapuzha basin

Environmentalists have raised an alarm over ‘illegal’ sand mining in the Bharathapuzha river basin near Kuttippuram in Malappuram, alleging that the recurring social and environmental menace has persisted for decades despite repeated legal and social interventions.

“The 2018 floods severely depleted the river’s carrying capacity, and over the past 30 years, the sand bed in this region has dropped by an average of four metres. This is a grave concern as the river is ecologically defunct,” said C. Rajagopalan, environmentalist and retired joint director of the Kerala State Audit department.

The impact is visible across the landscape. Over the past decade, areas such as Vellanchery, Madirassery, Malloorkadavu, Pumphouse Road, and Keltronkadavu have been hollowed out by relentless sand extraction.

A new point of contention has emerged regarding the large-scale desilting and mining project near the Kankakadavu regulator-cum-bridge. “Sand mining is being spearheaded by the State government in partnership with the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC),” said Latheef Kuttippuram, a local activist.

Excessive sand removal results in riverbank erosion, disrupts natural flow, increases flood risks, and degrades water quality, he warned.

The project’s initial tender involves extracting sand to a depth of three metres across a two-square-kilometre expanse, with a revenue target of ₹250 crore over 24 months. Critics argue that the project relies on heavy machinery that bypasses established National Green Tribunal (NGT) protocols.

“Unscientific mining has stripped the river bare, leaving behind nothing but a skeleton with the flesh torn away,” Mr. Latheef lamented.

He also pointed out the absence of comprehensive scientific impact assessments. “There are growing fears that continued mining will undermine bridge stability, destroy ecological equilibrium, and deplete groundwater levels,” Mr. Latheef said.

As many as 90 cases of ‘illegal’ mining are registered annually at the Kuttippuram police station. Despite the “trifecta” of legal protections—Section 305(e) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Kerala Protection of River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act (KPRB), and the Mines and Minerals Act (MMDR)—offences are rising.

“Culprits often view fines as a mere business expense. The vast profits from the black market transform this into a low-risk, high-reward enterprise,” said a senior police officer.

Conservation groups, including the Bharathapuzha Samrakshana Samiti, Puzha Padam, and ‘Friends of Bharathapuzha founded by ‘Metroman’ E. Sreedharan, were established with the objective of conserving and rejuvenating the river.

“While mining occurs globally, our grievance lies with the lack of rigorous scientific oversight. Without it, we are inviting long-term environmental catastrophe,” said Vinod Nambiar, general secretary, Friends of Bharathapuzha.