Team Herald
PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Chief Secretary to decide on sand mining activity across the rivers of Goa while also pointing at various aspects pointed out by the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority for the sustainable sand mining in Goa.
The authority, in its affidavit, contended that the present scenario of sand mining can harm the river ecosystem. The submission comes at the time when the flying squads appointed by the government is cracking down on illegal sand mining at different places, particularly in the north district.
A NGO working towards protecting the environment had approached the high court challenging the licenses granted for sand mining.
In September, ahead of the commencement of sand mining activity, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest granted environment clearances but also specified certain general and specific conditions to be followed by the authorities and licensed sand miners. The High Court had then stated that it will hear authorities on how they will comply with each condition in order to curb the illegal activity.
