Day and night sand-mining at Paaliyaru

People want Governor to take action 800 acres to become barren land

Sand mining is taking place round the clock in the Paaliyattru anicut area in Mannar and transported to other districts.

As a result, 800 acres of arable land in Adambankulam, Periya Vellankulam , Mullikulam and Uyilankulam would becom barren in the near future and although the matter had been exposed and brought to the notice of the relevant people, no action whatsoever has been taken, the agricultural movements said.

Therefore, the Northern Province Governor should intervene in that respect and stop the sand mining at Paaliyaru , the Agricultural movements said.

While about 800 acres of arable land were being cultivated, more than 150 tipper truck loads of sand were being mined on a daily basis near the anicut. As such, huge trees along the coast had fallen while the anicut was also showing signs of collapsing due to sand mining adjacent to the bund..

“If the anicut breaches, it would affect so many thousands dependent on agriculture and our arable land would also get destroyed,” the farming community said.

“If this sand mining is no stopped, the anicut will be completely destroyed within another two years. None of the government officials have shown any interest despite notice given. Therefore, our Northern Province Governor should intervene and stop this menace and save the water resources and the livelihoods of the people.” the agricultural movements made a request to the Governor.