Illegal sand digging is a very serious concern in seashore villages of Tamil Nadu

Read more about the future problem of illegal sand digging in nearby seashore villages. How to control the illegal sand digging. The participation of government officials, villagers and the anti activists make this sand digging in a successful manner.

My village called Nathakulam comes under the Ramanathapuram district have rich in natural resources like forest of palm tree which is the lifeline of our village people. It is around 20 km form Ramanathapuram and 30 Km prior to Rameshwaram. This village is located at a distance of hardly 1km from the seashore. The real problem is illegal digging of sand from the sea shore and within the village forest area which is at a distance of 100 meter apart. As the demand of sand increasing to the peak level so large number of illegal activists taking this opportunity earning money on illegal digging of sand from the nearby forest area of this village. This is not only restricted to my village but the same situation exists on every corner of Tamil Nadu.

How the illegal digging of sand is successful

This activity cannot be successful without the cooperation of the villagers. Taking the benefit of poverty of the villagers, they purchase the village forest area on a least amount. After fulfilling all codal formalities they used to dig large amount of sand from the land by shutting up the mouth of the villagers. Since after getting the least amount they claim no right to stop the sand selling to other parts of Tamil Nadu. If not now but once the sea will engulf the whole village and its adjacent area. This is the same case for all villages situated in the sea shore area. Not mind on the future disaster, the villagers helping the illegal activists to dig as much sand as they wanted to be. This is little bit tough task for controlling by the forest department because the black activity is flourishing with the help of the villagers. So, in my view, until and unless making aware of the villagers, the illegal sand smuggling cannot be controlled to zero level.

What are the possible impact of illegal sand digging

As allowing illegal sand digging in anyone's village, we are inviting the natural disaster at once or in the near future. We are not bothering about the future generations of our own village. We get enough resources for living but will we leave the same resources for our next generations? this is an unanswered questions till now. Let us see the possible effect of illegal sand digging.

Illegal sand digging is done on a large scale not bothering about the safety limit. As they are only thinking of their profit and earning. This illegal work is carried out in a networking manner. So no one will go against the activity of illegal sand digging.
By digging to maximum extent, the sea water level may touch as a result the sea water enter into the drinking water resources like well or pond etc.
By digging the sand in large extent the sea border which acts as a barrier may loosened and there is a great chance of sea to enter into the village.
There is a danger of spoiling palm tree plantations. As we all know that the roots of palm treed goes beyond 10 meters and even more in few cases. So, it can reach the sea water table easily.
If the life line gets affected means the villagers will go jobless and they have nothing except hunger.
Most dangerous for the sea shore villages in Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion for the illegal sand digging

It is the top responsibility of the villagers to control the illegal sand digging in Tamil Nadu. Villagers must come forward against this activity. After making a villagers meeting the matter should be discussed and a resolution must be taken to stop the illegal sand digging and get signed by all villagers. A copy of the same may be produced to the zilla collector for taking necessary action to save the village and the future generations. This awareness must come from the villagers side. No doubt treating such issues very sensitive, the respective collector will not show any pity to the culprit they should be punished and their property will be seized for ever.

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