Team Herald
PONDA: The Khandepar river is presently under threat of sand extraction and even though the illegal activity has been banned, it continues with the alleged involvement of locals.
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Curti-Khandepar residents have alleged that rampant sand mining has been going along the river bed in the village and have called on the Deputy Collector, Ponda PI and the sarpanch to act against the “sand mafia,” who are reportedly using suction pumps to extract the natural resource and damage the river bed.
Dr Ketan Bhatikar claimed that the illegal activity is being carried in survey number 176 and added that complaints have been filed in these regards.
“I have circumstantial evidence to substantiate my claims and the panchayat and Ponda Police should investigate into the matter and arrest those responsible for the theft of sand,” said Dr Bhatikar and added that when ordinary citizens construct unauthorized structures, authorities act swiftly and added that they should apply the same yardstick and initiate swift action against the sand mafia. He also alleged that road construction is underway to facilitate the movement of trucks involved in sand extraction.
Curti-Khandepar sarpanch Abhijeet Gaude acknowledged that the panchayat had received a complaint in this regards but dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“There is no sand extraction occurring within my jurisdiction and those making allegations should provide concrete evidence,” said the sarpanch.
Regarding the alleged illegal road construction, he stated that the Panchayat would conduct a site inspection and act accordingly.
The Khandepar river, which originates from Karnataka, is called the Dudhsagar river in Dharbandora taluka.
Extended mining, deforestation and rampant sand mining has now caused the Goa-part of the river to run dry by February every year, a phenomena that has been steadily worsening every year.
