Despite regular complaints by environmentalists, sand mining activity is being regularly reported from Panvel, Palghar, and other places.
Two-third's of the world's beaches are disappearing because of sand mining. Closer to Mumbai, sand cover up to almost 15 feet has been lost since 2003 due to illegal sand mining at the creek between Kihim and Awas beaches near Alibaug. Despite regular complaints by environmentalists, sand mining activity is being regularly reported from Panvel, Palghar, and other places.
With sand mining not only threatening the beaches in and around Mumbai but across Maharashtra State, the Awaaz Foundation has initiated a public awareness campaign called "Save Our Sand (SOS)". The drive focusses on the critical issue of sand mining and urges people to demand implementation of rules to protect sand.
Sumaira Abdulali, the convenor of Awaaz Foundation, who was not only assaulted in 2004 for trying to expose the sand mafias operating in Raigad belt but was also been threatened on several other occasions, said, "Just like several key environmental issues, sand mining happens to be a burning issue and is often stated to be as alarming as climate change. Awareness amongst people will ensure that there is enough support for environmentalists fighting sand mining, as well as pressure on authorities to take serious actions against sand mining activities all across state," she said.
The campaign has been initiated with two videos, while one shows how sand and the sand castles made by children was being taken away by the sand mafia in a truck, only to be stopped ahead, showcasing the need to stop the sand mafia before no sand is left on beaches while another video focusses on little knowledge common man has about sand mining.
Abdulali said that under SOS campaign they will use social media to keep educating the public about the issue as well as equip them with information including laws that protect sand from being mined and things they could do to stop sand mining.
Environmentalists are happy that sand mining as an issue is being discussed and talked about globally. Infact the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will be releasing a report on Sand Mining titled Sand and Sustainibility: Finding new solutions for environmental governance of global sand resources on Tuesday May 7 and includes case studies by Awaaz Foundation.
Awaaz Foundation
Abdulali said that under SOS campaign they will use social media to educate masses about the issue & to equip them with info including laws that protect sand from being mined
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