Fishermen stopped construction work near Agni Theerthakadal in Rameshwaram. They allege that in this project being built for the convenience of the devotees, instead of approved material, beach sand is being used, which is illegal and unsafe.
Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) [भारत]July 24 (ANI): Fishermen in Rameshwaram protested by stopping the ongoing construction work on the beach near the iconic Agni Theerthakdal. He alleged that instead of approved construction material, beach sand was being used for the project.
Rameshwaram is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, with religious importance equal to that of Kashi. Agni Theerthakadal, located near the famous Ramanathaswamy temple, is considered one of the major theerthas (sacred water bodies) of the region.
Devotees from all over the country regularly visit Agni Theerthakdal, especially on new moon days, to take a holy bath and perform Pitru Karma Puja for the peace of the souls of their departed ancestors. To manage the increasing number of devotees and provide better facilities, construction of stairs has been started along the beach area, so that pilgrims can safely enter the sea and perform the rituals. The project is being carried out by Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Devasthanams through a private contractor with financial assistance from the Central Government.
What is the whole matter?
According to local fishermen, the construction work was to be done using river sand or M-sand. However, he alleged that beach sand was being collected and used for construction activity. When large bags of sand were dumped on the southern bank of Agni Thirthakdal, which is also used as a shelter area by fishermen with small-scale country boats, members of the fishing community gathered at the spot and protested against the activity.
Fishermen expressed these concerns
Fishermen said dumping of sand in the area could affect their traditional fishing activities as the movement of sea water could change and make it difficult for them to bring their boats to shore. They also raised concerns that structures built using beach sand may lack stability.
Following the protest, the fishermen stopped the sand-related work, following which the workers reportedly left the sand bags at the spot and returned without continuing the work.
Questions raised on quality of construction
Speaking on the issue, Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rameshwaram taluk secretary G. Shiva said the construction project was aimed at improving facilities for devotees, but he warned that using beach sand could compromise the strength and durability of the structure. He said, “If the contractor constructing this footbridge, which is being built for the good purpose of improving the facilities of the devotees, builds it on the sand of the beach, then its stability will be lost and the purpose itself will be defeated. Therefore, the Central and State governments should intervene, the district administration and the temple administration should monitor the construction work and legal action should be taken against the erring contractor.”
The fishermen have urged the authorities to inspect the construction work and ensure that only approved material is used for the project. (ANI)
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