KOLLAM | Feb 10, 2017:

The district environment committee of the Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) has alleged that the mineral sand-mining activity carried out by the public-sector Indian Rare Earths (IRE) along Vellanathurutu in Alapad panchayat was causing widespread damage to the naturally growing mangrove forests in the area.

The committee, after a visit to the site, said that the destruction was causing serious environmental damage to the location.

The KSSP in a statement issued here called for ending the mining activity immediately. This destruction took place at the estuary point where the Pallikkal river met the sea, the statement said.

Convener of the KSSP environment committee, P. Humam Rashid, said that already more than two hectares of mangrove forests had been destroyed. At least 12 mangrove species, some of them threatened or endangered, were growing in the region, he said.

Instead of applying the more eco-friendly beach washing method of mining, a destructive mechanical process was being applied in the area, the KSSP statement said.

The location which had been serving as a habitat for various marine and avian species needed to be protected, Mr. Rashid said. Moreover, mangrove forests occupied top priority for protection under the Coastal Regulation Zone notification.

The KSSP wanted the IRE to revive the mangrove forest by planting saplings there.

(Source: http://www.thehindu.com/)