With illegal sand mining allegedly going on for the past two decades, the entire topography of Alibaug’s beaches has been badly impacted. So much so, environmentalists have expressed concern over civic officials’ ignorance in the matter. One such NGO, Awaaz Foundation, on Wednesday, wrote to the collector of Raigad district, appealing him to take action against the sand mafia and appoint police officials to keep vigil on the unlawful activity.
The letter stated that extensive sand mining at both beaches every morning has resulted in drastic changes in topography. “I have been observing sand mining activities in the vicinity since 2000. Erosion caused by sand mining and illegal reclamation has resulted in a drop of nearly 10 feet in the level of the beach as well as loss of land. A number of trees have been affected as their roots are unable to hold ground due to lack of sand,” wrote Sumaira Abdulali, founder, Awaaz and environmentalist.
Members of the NGO also spoke to locals who confirmed that such activities had been going on for a long time as there was no fear of civic action. There are no licences offered for sand mining yet, according to experts, sand mining operations throughout the area were illegal and proliferating without control.
“The change in topography of the area and consequently, tidal pattern, has affected the entire neighbourhood. High tides are getting dangerous for locals even as trees along the coast are losing ground,” said another member of the group. Experts furthermore confirmed that illegal sand mining undertaken in broad daylight sans fear of civic pressure had not only impacted the region’s topography but also harmed marine biology.
“We request you to urgently take action to stop illegal sand mining by posting a police guard at the location. We also request you to compare satellite images of the location so that any illegal changes, including reclamation and sand mining, may be determined and effective action taken against those guilty,” said the letter.
