Kollam: Alappad, a coastal village of Kollam in Kerala has been partially eaten up by the ever-rising tides. For the past 50 years, sand mining has been rampant in Alappad village. The natives don't even have sufficient pure water to drink as the sea has started to engulf the village. 

According to reports, from 1965, the Indian Rare Earth Ltd (IREL) started mining in Alappad. According to the 1955 survey reports, the Alappad village was spread over 89.5 square kilometres. But at present, it has reduced to 7.5 kilometres. At present 65,000 people are living in Alappad. And 5,000 residents have already left the village. 

Also read: Kerala high court rejects actor Kollam Thulasi's anticipatory bail plea

According to studies, the IREL is not following the environmental regulations of mining imposed by the state government. And the union ministry for the environment has not granted permission to carry out mining in Alappad too. 

After the 2004 tsunami, the lives of Alappad natives have worsened. When the they tried to move on from the 2004 tsunami, the 2016 Ockhi broke their hearts again. 

From November 1, 2018, the natives have been protesting against mining. The action council even observed a hunger strike. The protest has crossed 71 days so far. 

Meanwhile, the action council leader KC Sreekumar stated that the assembly committee had reported the impact of mining on the environment.

While the IREL officials said to media that the mining operations would not be stopped, they also claimed that the mining operations are being carried out following all rules imposed by the government. 

Now, after south Indian actor Tovino Thomas came forward supporting the campaign with the hashtag 'Save Alappad', many netizens from Kerala have begun protesting against sand mining. Following this, actor Prithviraj too extended his support towards saving Alappad.