Kottayam: Meenachil river, the lifeline for those living in Kottayam district, is facing an unprecedented threat due to sand mining and destruction of banks to counter floods. However, altering the riverbanks without scientific studies and removing vegetation will have unforeseen effects on the habitat. 

Additionally, these activities are undertaken as per the Disaster Management Act, which eliminates the need for local authorities to seek permission from state bodies. 

Kerala Protection of River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act was enacted to avoid such practices from happening in the future. As per the act, any activities, including sand mining in the water bodies, can be carried out based on the report compiled by an expert committee. 

However, the authorities are citing Disaster Management Act to carry out activities related to water bodies in the state. Here activities are carried out on the basis of the report compiled by an official. Authorities do not perform any scientific studies or seek an expert opinion before embarking on such activities. 

Currently, the sand and waste residues in the river at Peroor area are removed based on an order issued by the Kottayam collector. However, no studies have proven the government's claim that sand and waste residues in rivers caused the 2018 flood. 

As per the regulations, one-fourth of the total width of the river on both sides should be left undisturbed, and mining should not be carried out here. However, the authorities are widely removing sand deposits adjoining the banks. 

Further, there is a huge possibility for the inflow of salt water into the river from Vembanad Lake.