Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Ramanathapuram Farmers Threaten Protests Over Illegal Sand Mining
Farmers say people are illegally taking sand from Radhanur kanmai.
They claim the sand is removed secretly at night and transported away.
The digging reportedly reaches about 12 feet deep.
Farmers worry this could damage the water body and nearby farmland.
They also say their crops are not getting enough water.
People from around 12 hamlets reportedly cannot farm normally.
The farmers say they informed government and police officials but saw no action.
They are threatening protests and road blockades unless the mining is stopped.
Farmers near Anandur and Radhanur in Ramanathapuram district threaten protests, including road blockades, over alleged illegal sand mining.
Radhanur kanmai, the district’s fifth-largest water body, covers about 2,000 acres.
Farmers allege sand is excavated without permission to depths of about 12 feet and smuggled at night.
They say attempted intervention led to threats of attack and that complaints to officials produced no action.
Farmers from about 12 hamlets say mining has reduced water availability and prevented cultivation in affected areas.
- Who
- Farmers from the R.S. Mangalam union and about 12 nearby hamlets.
- What
- They are demanding action against alleged illegal sand mining and threatening protests, including road blockades.
- Where
- Radhanur kanmai, near Anandur and Radhanur in Ramanathapuram district.
- Why
- Farmers say illegal mining is damaging mineral resources, reducing water for agriculture, and preventing cultivation.
- Location
- Radhanur kanmai, Ramanathapuram district
- Water body size
- About 2,000 acres
- District ranking
- The fifth-largest kanmai in Ramanathapuram district
- Reported excavation depth
- About 12 feet
- Affected communities
- Farmers from about 12 hamlets
- Threatened action
- Protests, including road blockades
- Officials reportedly informed
- The district magistrate, superintendent of police, and revenue officials