Tamil Nadu fishermen halt beach construction work in Rameswaram over use of coastal sand
Rameswaram, July 24
Fishermen in Rameswaram staged a protest by halting construction work being carried out on the beach near the revered Agni Theerthakadal, alleging that beach sand was being used for the project instead of approved construction materials.
Rameswaram is considered one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India, with religious significance on par with Kashi. The Agni Theerthakadal, located near the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, is regarded as one of the prominent theerthams (sacred water bodies) in the region.
Devotees from across the country regularly visit Agni Theerthakadal, especially on Amavasya (new moon) days, to take a holy dip and perform Pithru Karma Puja for the peace of their departed ancestors.
To manage the increasing number of devotees and provide better facilities, construction work has been initiated to build steps along the beach area, enabling pilgrims to safely enter the sea and perform rituals.
The project is being carried out by the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Devasthanam through a private contractor, with financial assistance from the Central Government.
According to local fishermen, construction work was supposed to be carried out using river sand or M-sand. However, they alleged that beach sand was being collected and used for the construction activity.
After large sacks of sand were dumped along the southern coast of Agni Theerthakadal, which is also used as a shelter area by small-scale country boat fishermen, members of the fishing community gathered at the spot and opposed the activity.
The fishermen said that dumping sand in the area could affect their traditional fishing activities, as seawater movement could change and make it difficult for them to bring their boats ashore. They also raised concerns that structures built using beach sand may lack stability.
Following the protest, the fishermen stopped the sand-related work, after which workers reportedly left the sand bags at the site and returned without continuing the activity.
Speaking on the issue, Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rameswaram Taluk Secretary G Siva said the construction project was intended to improve facilities for devotees but warned that using beach sand could compromise the strength and durability of the structure.
"If the contractors who are building this footbridge, which is being built for the good purpose of improving the facilities of the devotees, build it on the beach sand, its stability will be lost and the purpose will be ruined. Therefore, the central and state governments should intervene, the district administration and the temple administration should intervene and monitor the construction work, and legal action should be taken against the contractor who committed the mistake," he said.
The fishermen have urged the authorities to inspect the construction work and ensure that only approved materials are used for the project.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It’s good that the fishermen are vigilant, but I think the government should have done an environmental impact assessment before starting this project. Pilgrims need better facilities, yes, but not at the cost of the local fishing community’s livelihood. Let’s hope the district administration steps in quickly.
Typical contractor mentality—cutting corners wherever possible. Using beach sand is not just illegal, it’s dangerous. The temple trust needs to take responsibility and ensure the work is done with proper materials. Fishermen did the right thing by stopping the work. Otherwise, it would have been a waste of public money.
It’s heartening to see local communities taking a stand for their environment and livelihoods. In many countries, coastal construction is tightly regulated to protect both the ecosystem and the people who depend on it. India should follow similar standards. I hope this issue gets the attention it deserves from both state and central governments.
I’ve been to Rameswaram many times—the steps near Agni Theerthakadal are really in poor condition and dangerous for old people. But the fishermen’s concerns are valid too. Why can’t they just use river sand or M-sand as promised? Someone in the administration is definitely sleeping on the job. 😒
Respect to the fishermen for standing up. It’s a classic case of development vs. local rights. The govt should engage with the community before starting any such project. Also, the CPI(M) leader’s demand for intervention is on point—legal action against the contractor is necessary to set a precedent.
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