ALAPPUZHA: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s statement regarding the ongoing black sand mining at Thottapally in Alappuzha district has sparked protests among environmental activists who are protesting against the mining. However, the Thottapally protest committee, comprising environmental activists, contends that continuing mineral sand mining under the guise of ‘so-called development’ poses a threat to the local residents and biodiversity of the region.
Despite this, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that government priorities lie in development and indicated that protests against the ongoing sand mining would not be heeded, as the mining is considered integral to the development process.
While attending the ‘Nava Kerala Sadas’ campaign in Alappuzha, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appeared to mock environmental activists, stating that everyone should experience the advancements and progress. He dismissed allegations of illegality in Thottapally, attributing misinformation to certain individuals with political motives.
Contrarily, activists from the Thottapally protest committee, protesting against mineral sand mining, highlighted the threat to riverbanks in Arattupuzha, Thrikkunnapuzha, and Ambalappuzha, affecting thousands of houses along these banks. The committee also raised concerns about the increased risk of cancer in the region due to mining and sand extraction. In light of these issues, the protest committee demanded that the CM take necessary actions to address the problem.
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