Kallada River

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Kallada River is one of two major rivers that flow through the Kollam District of Kerala, India. It originates in the Western Ghats and travels for 121 km, finally ending at Ashtamudi Lake.

[edit] See also

Ithikkara River
Parappar Reservoir
Thenmala
Punalur

In spite of the High Court ban, sand-mining on Kallada river along its Munroe Thuruthu course has resumed. It was only on March 13 that the High Court orders banning sand-mining along Kallada river was received by the district administration and the police.

Following the receipt of the orders, the Kollam Tahsildar and personnel from the Revenue Department inspected the course of the river subjected to mining and effected strict measures to enforce the ban.

The police also played its role in enforcing the ban following the court orders. Residents on the banks of the river said that the ban was in force for just 20 days. After that, sand-mining resumed and now was back in full swing.

Worst affected

The Malayilpuram course of the river along Munroe Thurthu is the worst affected. It is at this point that the twin railway bridges are situated.

The sand-mining exposed the foundation of the pillars of the bridge by over a feet. The banks were also caving in thereby creating a serious environment problem in the area.

Based on these issues, a group of residents approached the High Court praying for a ban on sand-mining along the Kallada river's Munroe Thuruthu course.

Sand mafia

The High Court was moved when petitions to the police and revenue authorities drew a blank. Protests from the local residents were quelled with threats from the sand mafia.

The Revenue authorities blamed the apathetic attitude of the East Kallada police for the situation. About 80 to 100 lorry loads of sand were mined away each day from the Malayilpuram course of the river.

On receipt of the ban orders, the police enforced ban on sand-mining.

Then, the Revenue authorities inspected the course of the river and reported back to the High Court that no mining activity was being carried out along the Munroe Thuruthu course of the river following the ban.

But from April 3, the boats and labourers engaged in mining resumed the operations.

When contacted, an officer attached to the East Kallada police station said that they did not have the required manpower and facilities to properly effect the ban permanently. Taken from the Hindu dated 9 April 07 Kollam Edition