Kerala Needs A Sustainable Sand Extraction Policy

[Samji]

About Topic (English)
Extreme weather events and intense rain patterns have heightened flood vulnerabilities across Kerala. Silt, mud, and debris accumulated in major river basins and dams severely reduce water storage capacities, exacerbating overflow risks during heavy monsoon showers. While indiscriminate sand mining causes structural damage to riverbeds, blanket bans often cause unplanned rock quarrying for M-Sand. A balanced policy is essential to remove accumulated sediment, maintain ecological integrity, and lower flood risks across the region. Establishing scientific desilting protocols ensures that environmental conservation and infrastructure needs advance together seamlessly.