DINDIGUL: More than 1,000 persons from Kosavapatti and Padiyur villages thronged the Collectorate here on Friday demanding immediate action against rampant illegal sand mining at Varattaru river near their villages. Both villages have been facing acute drinking water crisis owing to massive lifting of sand from the river, they charged. Such activities should be stopped immediately and action should be taken against the sand-lifters immediately. Alternative arrangements should be made for drinking water supply, the villagers insisted. Collector M. Vallalar, who came to the portico of the Collectorate, received petition from them and assured to take immediate action against violators. Later, they left the Collectorate.