Team Herald
ALDONA: Locals are up in arms against the rampant sand extraction being carried out over the last three weeks near the Hindu crematorium at Postar Quitla, Aldona. Residents fear that the depletion of sand in the river bed would have an adverse effect and could lead to irreversible ecological damage.
Over 100 trucks carrying sand are seen plying along the Aldona-Nachinola-Moira route daily. Due to the continuous transportation of sand along the route, sand is seen scattered everywhere on the roads making it risky for the commuters.
The villagers are also angry over the movement of heavy vehicles in the villages of Aldona, Moira and Nachinola.
On Sunday, there was a post on facebook on the page ‘Aldona Matters’ requesting the local MLA, panchayat and Comunidade to look into the matter and assess the ecological impact on the village due to the rampant sand extraction.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Amarnath Panjikar stated that if rampant and illegal sand extraction is being carried out at Quitla, Aldona River, it is a serious issue needing the attention of the local MLA.
“If the sand extraction is carried on without the permission of the panchayat, Captain of Ports, River Navigation Department, environment and ecological department then it should be stopped immediately. Sand extraction has been banned in other parts of Goa and how could it be carried out in Aldona is a big question. People should ask our MLA whether he is aware of the same,” Panjikar said.
When Herald contacted, Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo said he would look into the matter and talk to the department concerned.
A local said that excess extraction of sand could adversely affect the normal course of the river which could either lead to river erosion or flooding during the monsoon.
“It appears that the Aldona panchayat has given permission for sand extraction despite the activity being banned. If any permission has been granted, then, they should be displayed at the site which is not being done,” he said.
When contacted, the Aldona panchayat said that no permission was granted for sand extraction.
