Illegal sand mining threatens Suvali’s ecosystem

Continuous sand mining from costal village near Surat has created threat upon existence of sea beach. Miners are pumping out sand without any fear; on the other hand administration is totally unaware about entire situation. Villagers have informed government officials repeatedly, but mining is going on with any problem.

Sea beach at Suvali is a perfect entertainment spot for many Surtis, due to natural beauty. However, beach is rapidly loosing its sheen owing to continuous illegal sand mining from various patches. Mining goes on round the clock, with numerous labourers engaged in digging sand directly from beach.

Continuous pumping-out of sand has made beach uneven, while massive gaps have developed at some places. Mining is also affecting ecology in and around beach.

"Trucks ply day and night nearby beach to carry sand, mined illegally. Miners have pumped-out sand from all parts of the beach. Sea water is entering into many areas of the village through cracks developed on beach owing to mining," Babu Ahir, a resident of Suvali village, said.

Ahir added that village panchayat tried to prevent mining, but it failed. After panchayat intervened activity got stopped for sometime, but it re-started in next few days.

Sources said that sand miners have good reach in political and administrative wing, which has made them 'invincible'. As sand miners engage local people for mining, protest gets weakened.

"Majority of local people is poor and sand mining gives them good employment. These people are least concerned about effects their activity is making on ecology. A strong awareness drive is needed to stop illegal mining at Suvali. We are raising issue at various levels to prevent the activity," Chandravadan Pithawala, a local leader of the area, said.

Officials of Geological Department were not available for comment over the issue despite repeated attempts.