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Environmentalists seek protection of waterbodies from illegal sand mining
Environmentalists submitted a petition to the District Collector on May 11, 2026, alleging illegal sand and gravel mining in the Thirali and Maravankulam lakes near Thirumangalam, threatening nearby agriculture. The petition describes prolonged activity, with deep pits and roads inside the lakes, and claims residents' complaints went unaddressed. The District Collector said an investigation would be conducted and that action would be taken by mining department officials, urging swift government response.
Why It Matters
The lakes support thousands of acres of agricultural land; unchecked mining could destroy local irrigation and livelihoods and reflect enforcement gaps in protecting waterbodies.
Timeline
2 Events
District Collector promises investigation and action
May 11, 2026
District Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar informed the petitioners that an investigation would be conducted through mining department officials and that action would be taken. He added that the newly formed government should act on such complaints immediately and effectively.
Petition submitted to District Collector alleging illegal sand mining in Thirali and Maravankulam lakes
May 11, 2026
Members of the Green Environmental Protection Association submitted a petition to District Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar on Monday, May 11, 2026, alleging illegal sand and gravel mining in lakes located in Thirali and Maravankulam near Thirumangalam. The petition notes thousands of acres of agricultural land rely on these lakes and claims mining has been ongoing for several months to support road construction. It alleges pits deeper than 40 feet in Maravankulam lake, roads inside the lake, and gravel dumped in violation of regulations. Local residents have filed multiple complaints but report no action, and the petition urges immediate government intervention to prevent further destruction of the lakes.