Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 24 : Fishermen in Rameswaram staged a protest by halting construction work being carried out on the beach near the revered Agni Theerthakadal, alleging that beach sand was being used for the project instead of approved construction materials.
Rameswaram is considered one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India, with religious significance on par with Kashi. The Agni Theerthakadal, located near the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, is regarded as one of the prominent theerthams (sacred water bodies) in the region.
Devotees from across the country regularly visit Agni Theerthakadal, especially on Amavasya (new moon) days, to take a holy dip and perform Pithru Karma Puja for the peace of their departed ancestors.
To manage the increasing number of devotees and provide better facilities, construction work has been initiated to build steps along the beach area, enabling pilgrims to safely enter the sea and perform rituals.
The project is being carried out by the Rameswaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Devasthanam through a private contractor, with financial assistance from the Central Government.
According to local fishermen, construction work was supposed to be carried out using river sand or M-sand. However, they alleged that beach sand was being collected and used for the construction activity.
After large sacks of sand were dumped along the southern coast of Agni Theerthakadal, which is also used as a shelter area by small-scale country boat fishermen, members of the fishing community gathered at the spot and opposed the activity.
The fishermen said that dumping sand in the area could affect their traditional fishing activities, as seawater movement could change and make it difficult for them to bring their boats ashore. They also raised concerns that structures built using beach sand may lack stability.
Following the protest, the fishermen stopped the sand-related work, after which workers reportedly left the sand bags at the site and returned without continuing the activity.
Speaking on the issue, Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rameswaram Taluk Secretary G Siva said the construction project was intended to improve facilities for devotees but warned that using beach sand could compromise the strength and durability of the structure.
"If the contractors who are building this footbridge, which is being built for the good purpose of improving the facilities of the devotees, build it on the beach sand, its stability will be lost and the purpose will be ruined. Therefore, the central and state governments should intervene, the district administration and the temple administration should intervene and monitor the construction work, and legal action should be taken against the contractor who committed the mistake," he said.
The fishermen have urged the authorities to inspect the construction work and ensure that only approved materials are used for the project.