An activist fighting against sand mining in Raigad region has written to the district collector, to complain about the illegal activity taking place next to the creek between Kihim and Awas beaches near Alibaug. Sumaira Abdulali, founder of Awaz Foundation, has also submitted images of bullock carts carrying the sand from the beach, as well as the effect of the mining on nearby plantation.
Abdulali has been threatened and attacked several times for raising the issue of sand mining. "Extensive sand mining is taking place at this location, resulting in drastic changes to the topography. I have requested the collector to ensure that cops are deployed at the spot to stop this nuisance," she said, adding that besides that, she has also suggested that satellite images be used to check and compare these areas to find the changes, including reclamation and mining.
In her complaint, Abdulali further stated that land was being reclaimed on the opposite side of the creek. "Erosion caused by sand mining and illegal reclamation has resulted in a drop of nearly 10 feet in the beach level as well as loss of land. A number of trees, including coconut, have uprooted. The change in tide patterns caused by sand mining and reclamation have had harmful effects far down Kihim beach," she said.
