Activists warn Keralam river sand mining plan lacks proper study

UPDATE - follow-up to Greens see red over Keralam govt's move to permit sand mining in 17 rivers: Society for the Protection of the Environment, Kerala (SPEK) says the Keralam government has not conducted an environmental impact assessment before deciding to permit the extraction of 1.7 crore tonnes of sand from 17 rivers across the State starting in December 2026. SPEK president K. Koyatty and secretary K.K. Devadasan warn that this plan, presented as a flood mitigation step, may serve as a pretext for indiscriminate sand extraction from all rivers and streams. They state that the claim that dredging silt prevents flooding lacks clarity, noting that rivers are complex systems where sand is essential for controlling floods, groundwater seepage, and water retention in paddy fields, wetlands, and wells.

Environmental Impact

When sand is removed through channel mining, the lowered riverbed blocks sunlight, preventing photosynthesis in aquatic plants and destroying bottom-dwelling organisms. This kills small and large fish, shatters the riverbank ecosystem, and impacts the livelihoods of fishing communities. The activists argue that actual flooding is caused by wetland and floodplain reclamation, construction activities, sudden intense rainfall, dam water surges, and blocked urban drains, rather than sand accumulation.

Demands And Discussion

While acknowledging that the construction sector needs sand, the activists state it should only be removed in limited quantities based on precise studies of accumulation in check dams and rivers. They demand a strict legal framework specifying quantities, timing, methods, and locations, alongside a monitoring committee with representatives from Revenue, Environment, and Local Self-Governments. SPEK is organizing a discussion in Kozhikode on October 24 to mark environmental activist A. Achyuthan.

Context

Environmental impact assessments are formal studies used to predict the environmental effects of a proposed project before it is carried out. Riverbeds naturally accumulate silt and sand over time, but removing large volumes requires careful planning to protect local water supplies and aquatic life. Public discussions and monitoring committees help ensure that commercial needs do not outweigh long-term ecological safety.