Alappad
Alappad is a coastal village located in the Karunagappally taluk of Kollam district, Kerala, India. It is known for its history of coastal erosion due to extensive sand mining, leading to significant land loss and impacting the livelihoods of its inhabitants, primarily fishermen.
The village's geographical location makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of the Arabian Sea. The construction of breakwaters at nearby locations, while intended to protect those areas, is believed to have exacerbated erosion in Alappad.
The issue of sand mining and its impact on Alappad has been a subject of environmental activism and legal battles. Concerns have been raised about the sustainability of sand mining practices and their long-term consequences for the coastal ecosystem and the local population. Various organizations and individuals have advocated for stricter regulations and rehabilitation efforts to address the damage caused by erosion and protect the remaining land.