Residents of Pavoor-Uliya Island Protest Against Illegal Sand Mining

The islanders, accompanied by activists, voiced their concerns through slogans and placards that read, “Save Pavoor Uliya Residents” and “Stop Sand Mining.” The protest was a plea to the district authorities, specifically Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP, to address the issue before it causes irreversible damage to the island and its residents.

Long-standing Issue Ignored by Authorities

Alwyn D’Souza, president of the Catholic Sabha, voiced his deep disappointment at the inaction of the Mines and Geology Department. He emphasised that despite numerous complaints and a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner months ago, illegal sand extraction continues unabated. According to D’Souza, this unlawful activity is rapidly shrinking the size of the island and severely affecting the livelihoods of its residents.

“Illegal sand extraction is rampant on the island, and no concrete action has been taken to stop it,” D’Souza stated during the protest. He further highlighted the failure of local authorities to monitor or enforce restrictions on sand mining activities. “We need a permanent solution to redress the problem,” he added, stressing that those engaged in the illegal activity should be punished to set an example.

Pavoor-Uliya, located approximately 12 kilometres from Mangaluru, is home to more than 50 families who are increasingly concerned about the environmental degradation caused by rampant sand mining. The island’s landmass has reportedly shrunk over time, directly affecting the daily lives and economic stability of the islanders.

Government Inspection Fails to Detect Illegal Activity

Interestingly, the protest comes just months after a high-profile inspection by the Mines and Geology Department, which reportedly found no illegal sand mining on the island. In June, after media reports brought attention to the island’s plight, a team of senior scientists from the department conducted an inspection. Their findings, however, contradicted the claims made by the island’s residents. According to the officials, no illegal mining activity was detected during their visit.

Despite these assurances, the islanders remain unconvinced. Local residents claim that the inspection was either insufficient or strategically planned to coincide with a lull in mining activity. They argue that the illegal extraction of sand continues during hours when inspections are not likely to occur, making it easy for miners to evade detection.

Impact on the Environment and Livelihoods

Illegal sand extraction is not just an economic issue but also an environmental one. Sand mining destabilises the island’s natural ecosystem, leading to erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The shrinking landmass has also heightened fears of displacement among the island’s population, many of whom rely on agriculture and fishing as their primary means of livelihood.

Moreover, the extraction of sand from the riverbeds and island areas directly impacts the Nethravati River’s flow, potentially causing long-term harm to the river’s ecosystem. Residents are concerned that, without immediate intervention, the damage may become irreversible, putting the island at risk of disappearing altogether.

Local Representatives Urged to Take Action

The protest has also cast a spotlight on local political leaders, particularly Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader, who represents the Mangalore Assembly constituency, which includes Pavoor-Uliya. Residents are now urging Khader and other officials to intervene and ensure that the illegal sand mining is halted once and for all.

The protesters demanded that immediate punitive action be taken against those involved in the illicit extraction of sand. They also requested the Mines and Geology Department, along with the district administration, to establish a permanent solution to the problem.

Alwyn D’Souza and other leaders of the protest have vowed to continue their agitation until tangible steps are taken to address the issue. “We are not asking for much—just the preservation of our island and our right to live here in peace,” D’Souza said. He warned that if the government fails to act, the islanders will consider taking the matter to the state’s highest authorities or even seeking judicial intervention.

A History of Neglect

This is not the first time Pavoor-Uliya has made headlines for its battle against illegal sand extraction. Over the years, local residents have repeatedly raised alarms over the issue, but their concerns have largely gone unaddressed. Although the Mines and Geology Department claims to have inspected the site, no meaningful change has occurred.

The residents’ sense of urgency has only increased in recent years, as the visible shrinking of the island has become impossible to ignore. Long-time residents recall that the island was much larger and more fertile, providing ample space for agriculture and other activities. Now, however, many fear that continued illegal sand mining will eventually render their home uninhabitable.

Looking Forward

The protest at Nethravati River has brought renewed attention to the island’s plight, and residents hope that this time, their voices will be heard. With environmental degradation, economic insecurity, and displacement looming over them, the people of Pavoor-Uliya are seeking urgent intervention from the state government and relevant authorities.

If no action is taken soon, the islanders warn, Pavoor-Uliya may face the same fate as other islands that have disappeared due to unchecked environmental exploitation. The people of Pavoor-Uliya are not just fighting for their homes but also for the preservation of their natural environment and way of life.

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