THURSDAY, MAY 02, 2024
Team Herald
PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Saturday that the Directorate of Mines and Geology is set to commence issuing licences for sand extraction within the next one-and-a-half months. The government has applied for Environmental Clearances (ECs) to resume sand mining activities, he said, adding that the government was trying to regulate and reduce the cost of sand in the State.
Responding to a starred question raised by Velim MLA Cruz Silva regarding the shortage of sand for construction activities, Sawant disclosed that both the North and South Goa Collectors have submitted applications to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for Environmental Clearances (ECs) in this regard.
Sawant further mentioned that the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, has submitted study reports on the Mandovi, Zuari, and Chapora rivers.
The Chief Minister explained that sand mining activity was halted following directives from the High Court after the Goa Rivers Sand Protectors Network petitioned the court to curb illegalities in sand extraction, which had significantly impacted the environment. He highlighted that the government had implemented measures to regulate sand prices imported from neighbouring States, in accordance with rule
47 of the Goa Minor Mineral Concession Rule, 1985, following document verification.
Additionally, Sawant noted that the Directorate of Mines and Geology had refrained from renewing or granting sand mining permits since 2018.
Expressing concerns over the acute shortage of sand for housing construction, the Velim MLA urged the government to take immediate steps to resume sand mining activities.
