Resentment is growing over "illegal" sand mining disguised as dredging in the Korapuzha river in Kozhikode. Last week, protesters blocked a firm from transporting sand from Mattuvayal. Fishers and locals also demolished a temporary bridge over the Azheekkal canal, said to be used for sand transport. Protesters claimed the company did "indiscriminate" mining without proper "government oversight." Residents stopped an attempt to dump sludge from sand removal into a deep pit at Mattuvayal. A resident said, "As per the contract, the sludge generated after processing soil was supposed to be removed from the area. However, this condition was violated, and there was an attempt to dump it within Mattuvayal itself, which is what we prevented." Following protests, dredging was temporarily halted. Police have registered a case against protesters. The dredging, under the Irrigation department, covers the stretch between Korapuzha estuary and the Korapuzha railway bridge. It aims to remove about two lakh cubic metres of soil that blocks fishing boats and causes flooding nearby. Silt build-up has also been slowing water flow. Local MLA and Forest and Wildlife Minister A.K. Saseendran said he will find a solution soon. He told the protesters a meeting with officials and residents will happen after the State Assembly session.