Thiruvanathapuram: In connection with the removal of sand from Pamba river, CPI assistant secretary K Prakash Babu criticised Pathanamthitta district collector P B Nooh. Prakash Babu stated that there is an error in the order issued by the collector regarding sand removal. The stand taken by the forest department is right, Prakash Babu made it clear.

CPI evaluated that the order issued by the collector worsened the situation. It said that the removed sand can be taken anywhere. But this is not legal, Prakash Babu said. When asked if the collector issued the order due to pressure from the former chief secretary, Prakash Babu replied that the collector himself is answerable to the question.

He further said the stand taken by the forest minister to deposit the removed sand in forest area is legal. As another flood is predicted in the state this year, the sand on the Pamba river bed should be removed, Prakash Babu said.