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Vanni residents protest illegal sand mining

Tamil residents lodging complaints that their land was being used for uncontrolled sand mining, in the Vanni coastal area of Jaffna Lagoon, Poonakiri, were urged to protest by the Northern Provincial Council Minister of Agriculture Livestock, Irrigation and Environment, on Saturday.

“Sand mining is being carried out illicitly using an illegitimate licence. People will not be able to live in this archaeologically significant place. We will take this matter to the attention of the central government immediately, if the government refuses to take action, the people should protest,” said Mr Ayngaranesan.

The Uthayan quotes residents as saying the uncontrolled mining had increased the risk of the sea flooding the homes and changed the quality of their drinking water, whilst the heavy lorry traffic was also damaging road surfaces and infrastructure.

 

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