Thodupuzha: Numerous complaints have been raised over the illegal mining of soil and smuggling of earth by flattening hills in Kumaramangalam panchayat, near Thodupuzha, in Idukki district. The activity is rampant in areas such as Mylakambu, Uriyarikkunnu and Perumbillichira, from around midnight until daybreak.

The soil is immediately transported in Taurus trucks to even nearby districts such as Ernakulam to mainly fill paddy fields. Gangs also provide escort in other vehicles to these trucks to prevent seizure of the illegally mined earth by the authorities.

Residents of the area alleged that officials and politicians were allowing the illegal activity by taking bribes. Special gangs also operate to flatten hills in the panchayat, they said.

“Revenue authorities and the police have been turning a blind eye to the flattening of hills and smuggling of earth for years. As a result, all the roads in the panchayat are covered with mud, making travel difficult. We demand urgent measures to end this problem,” said a resident.