Farmers Threaten Stir against Sand Mafia in Ramanathapuram
The sand mafia is said to be excavating sand clandestinely. Furthermore, they have been excavating sand up to a depth of about 12 feet without permission and smuggling it at night
Rameswaram: Farmers of R.S. Mangalam union, near Anandur and Radhanur, in Ramanathapuram district, are threatening to hold protests, including road blockades, if the government and district administration did not take proper action to stop illegal sand mining in the Radhanur kanmai.
Radanur kanmai, which is the fifth largest kanmai in Ramanathapuram district, has a spread of about 2,000 acres.
There is a great danger in the agricultural areas due to the illegal sand mining. The farmers demanded that the government and the revenue department immediately take the steps to protect the mineral resources.
The sand mafia is said to be excavating sand clandestinely. Furthermore, they have been excavating sand up to a depth of about 12 feet without permission and smuggling it at night.
When many farmers from the area came to know about this and tried to stop them, the sand thieves tried to attack them.
According to the farmers, Ramanathapuram district magistrate, superintendent of police and other officials were informed and a complaint was filed with the revenue department officials, but no action was taken.
Apart from the looting of the mineral resources, agricultural crops are also affected without water, said the farmers.
Due to this, it is said farmers from about 12 hamlets in the upper and lower reaches of the valley are unable to carry out farming. So, the farmers demanded action from the authorities.
