Rampant clay mining destroys paddy fields

Thrissur,  
The Hindu, May 5, 2014

Rampant clay mining has led to the destruction of paddy fields and acute shortage of water at Nenmanikkara panchayat, near here. The local farmers point out that the panchayat used to have more than 600 hectares of paddy field. According to the development report of the panchayat, 97.6 per cent of paddy fields have been destroyed. The clay mining has turned 500 hectares of paddy fields into just fallow lands.

According to local residents, Nenmanikkara was once known for the production of quality rice. It used to produce more rice than the State average.

The rampant clay mining has caused serious environmental problems in the area, including water shortage, the residents complain. They allege that the panchayat watershed management committee and geology department have been colluding with the mining lobby.

The land has lost the layer of the sand and clay that retains the surface water. Most of the wells in the Nenmanikkara panchayathave been dried up. Many ponds and wells are polluted. Water quality in the area has also been affected.

Though the rules don’t allow mining during nights, they are being blatantly violated here. The panchayat witnesses 24-hour mining, say the farmers. The miners fill the pits with quarry waste. As a result no further cultivation is possible in the field.

Many people in the area are not ready to lease out their paddy fields for cultivation, say farmers. They urged the authorities to take urgent steps to protect the remaining paddy fields.

Tile factories in Nenmanikara and neighbouring panchayats used to provide employment for many local residents till recently. However, more than 80 per cent of the employees in the sector are now migrant labourers from north Indian States.