Activists oppose Keralam sand mining plan in seventeen rivers

UPDATE - follow-up to Greens see red over Keralam govt's move to permit sand mining in 17 rivers: Environmental activists in Keralam have raised objections to a government plan to extract 1.7 crore tonnes of sand from 17 rivers starting in December 2026.

Concerns

Functionaries of the Society for the Protection of the Environment, Kerala, known as SPEK, state that officials present this plan as a flood relief step but have not conducted any environmental impact study. SPEK president K. Koyatty and secretary K.K. Devadasan warn that this decision may lead to uncontrolled sand removal across all local rivers and streams. They explain that removing sand lowers the riverbed, blocks sunlight from reaching the bottom, destroys plant life, and harms fish and bottom-dwelling organisms. Furthermore, this damage affects the fishing community and ruins the natural ecosystem that helps maintain groundwater levels and fill rural drinking water wells.

Causes

According to SPEK, floods happen because people build on river plains, fill wetlands, and block urban drains, as well as from heavy rain and sudden dam releases, rather than from natural sand buildup. However, the activists note that limited sand removal is acceptable for the construction sector if guided by precise studies and strict rules.

Demand

Mr. Koyatty and Mr. Devadasan demand a clear legal framework to control extraction amounts, timing, methods, and locations under the supervision of a monitoring committee with members from the Revenue, Environment, and Local Self-Governments departments. SPEK plans to hold a discussion on this matter in Kozhikode on October 24 to honor environmental activist A. Achyuthan.

Context

Sand mining is often proposed by authorities to clear river channels and reduce flood risks, but environmental groups frequently warn that digging up riverbeds can destabilize banks and harm aquatic life. Public debates over river management typically center on balancing the raw materials needed for construction with the long-term health of natural water ecosystems.