Deep pits formed on the riverbed of the Pampa, the Manimala and the Achencoil rivers due to unscientific sand-mining have resulted in the loss of as many as 26 lives in the past six months.

Experts say that wanton exploitation of river resources have made alarming changes in the riverine system, and the very character and structure of these rivers over the past two decades.

Many stretches of the Pampa, the Achencoil and the Manimala have become deep dykes with dangerous undercurrents and whirlpools. People getting accidently trapped in these whirlpools have become a regular feature in different parts of the district.

Anilkumar, an expert diver and swimmer, was fatally trapped in such a whirlpool in the Pampa a month ago.

Five persons have drowned in the Kallara kadavu in the Achencoil so far this year and two private bus employees were washed away by strong undercurrents in the Achencoil at Kumbazha a few days ago.............Read more

Source web page: The Hindu