27 Aug 2020  |   05:01am IST

Reginaldo alleges rampant illegal sand extraction across the state

Reginaldo alleges rampant illegal sand extraction across the state

Team Herald


MARGAO: Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco has alleged of large scale illegal sand mining going on across the state and has demanded action on illegal sand mining activity. Reginaldo has warned that these illegal activities will destroy bunds and agriculture fields.

Reginaldo has written to the CM demanding action against those involved in alleged illegal mining. "Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of my constituency. Sand is being continuously illegally extracted from the various rivers of Goa and is an unlawful act which is punishable under Section 21 of the MMDR Act. The said Act makes sand mining an offence when there is no permit license for such extraction and the complaint in this regard has to be filed by an authorised officer" noted Reginaldo.

The illegal sand mining in Goa has resulted in the collapse of many bunds embankment and causeway destruction of fisheries thus putting an end to the livelihood of traditional fishermen.

"And the worst, it will change the river hydrology but will also deplete the ground water levels. An inquiry in all such cases should be impartially conducted on the illegal extraction of sand. It is given to understand that for rampant sand mining, suction pumps are being used freely in many Goan rivers. Any illegal extraction of sand must be treated as theft of government property and the police should file FIR on all such illegal extraction of sand and culprits should be booked" demanded Reginaldo.



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