COIMBATORE: Farmers and residents in Idikarai near Coimbatore say gravel sand theft from streams in the region continues unabated despite several representations. They say the indiscriminate mining of gravel sand from the streams will obstruct the flow of water to tanks in the region and would affect farming in the region.From the Kurudi Malai hills near Idikarai, three streams – Thannasi Pallam, Perumpallam and Thalamadal Pallam – emerge. Later, the three streams merge with the Noyyal river. Among these the Thalamadal Pallam runs through Idikarai. It is in this stream that the unlawful mining of gravel sand has been taking place in recent days during night time, say residents.“We hear heavy vehicles moving at night. And we find the sand scooped up from the stream,” said a resident.The Thalamadal Pallam stream has a layer of gravelly sand which allows water to seep in and recharge ground water and after it flow on to tanks lying ahead, said C Duraisamy a farmer from the region. “But due to miscreants scooping up the sand, pits which are around 20feet deep have formed in the stream. This would make water stagnate and not flow further,” he said.Also there are a series of check dams on the stream to recharge ground water. “If water stagnates in the pits formed by this mining, it will also not travel to further check dams and their purpose would be lost,” said Duraisamy. The stream also feeds the tank in the neighbouring Kovilpalayam.When contacted, district collector K Rajamani said he had been informed of the issue by people in Idikarai. “I have asked the tahsildar to watch the place for two days and have also fixed responsibility for village officials. I have asked them to submit a report in two days. If needed, I will visit the place. I will watch and monitor the progress and would take necessary steps to prevent it from happening again,” the collector said.

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