Officials say vigil had been stepped up along the riverbeds of the Cauvery and the Amaravati and the vulnerable places of sand mining in recent weeks.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO
Instances of illegal sand mining from the riverbeds of the Cauvery and the Amaravati in Karur district have been on the decline, thanks to the enhanced vigil and strict enforcement of law after the Assembly election.Illegal sand mining was rampant at various places on Cauvery and Amaravati rivers in Karur district till March and April. No legal quarries were functioning in the district since the Enforcement Directorate carried out simultaneous searches at various sand quarries in Karur, Tiruchi, and many other districts in September 2023. After the ED searches, the Water Resources Department went on to close its sand quarries at Nanniyur and Mallampalayam. However, illegal mining continued unabated at several places on the riverbed of the Cauvery and the Amaravathi. The illegal sand miners, who initially chose to smuggle sand between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m, had resorted to smuggling in day time as well.Environmentalists had alleged that iIllegal sand mining took place at 30 places on the riverbeds of the two rivers. Mettupalayam, Kadambankurichi, Kalipalayam, Vangal, Mallampalayam, Nerur, Vadapagam, Thenpagam, Pudupalayam, Aranganathanpettai, Thirumukkudalur, Thottakurichi, Manmangalam, Amaravathi, Somur, Koyampalli, Thirumanilaiyur, Sukkaliyur, Sellandipalayam and Chinnandankoil were among the places, where illegal sand mining was taking place.According to official sources, instances of sand smuggling have come down drastically since the TVK government assumed office in May. It has been coming down since June. Only three cases were booked so far in August.“There were many instances of sand smuggling during the Assembly election period. It has come down drastically since the new government took over the reigns. Nowadays, we hardly receive complaints over the movement of vehicles transporting smuggled sand,” said D.N. Hari Kiran Prasad, Superintendent of Police.Vigil had been stepped up along the riverbeds of the Cauvery and the Amaravati and the vulnerable places of sand mining. Charge sheets were filed in about 100 cases, which were registered before the Assembly elections. It had a deterrent effect. More importantly, there was no political interference in taking action against the illegal smugglers, Mr. Prasad added.“There were many instances of locals and environmentalists handing over video footage and photographs of lorries used for the illegal activity, along with longitude and latitude to the various Collectors and other authorities in the past, seeking action. However, except for some occasions, the officials did not bother to enforce law. Some officials were hand in glove with the smugglers. However, we find that, except for some people, who transport sand on two-wheelers, no organised sand smuggling has taken place in the district since June. It is a welcome sign,” said R.S. Mugilan, coordinator, Cauvery Protection Movement. Published - August 28, 2026 07:06 pm IST
