PANJIM: The comprehensive District Survey Report on river sand mining in North Goa district that was recently released has issued a warning of severe environmental consequences linked to sand extraction activities in the Tiracol river.
The report, compiled with data from various government departments of the State of Goa and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, reveals alarming impacts on the riverine and estuarine environment.
“The sand extraction activities at Tiracol river have resulted in erosion and collapse of the banks, as well as the disappearance of two mangrove-covered islands and mudflats. These are irreversible impacts to the estuary and the habitat, and if the mining activities are allowed to continue, it may lead to further damage to the riverine and estuarine environment,” states the District Survey.
The Joint Committee for Sand Mining has proposed a series of recommendations as regards sand mining at Tiswadi and Bicholim, primarily focusing on sustainable practices and environmental compliance. Among the key suggestions is limiting sand mining to traditional coastal communities using non-mechanised manual methods. The use of mechanised boats, suction pumps, and dredgers in river sand mining is proposed to be prohibited.
To ensure adherence to guidelines, the report calls for the installation of CCTV cameras at critical points such as stockyards and check posts on sand transport routes. These cameras would be linked to the servers of the District/Taluka Sand Monitoring Committees and the Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) for continuous monitoring.
Moreover, the report emphasises the importance of conforming to existing guidelines, specifically the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines (SSMMG), 2016, and the Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining (EMGSM), 2020.
The allocation of Environmental Clearances (ECs) should be restricted to the auctioned and sustainably permissible quantity to ensure responsible sand mining practices.
As concerns about the environmental impact of sand mining continue to rise, the recommendations outlined in the District Survey Report are aimed at shaping future policies and safeguarding the fragile riverine and estuarine ecosystems in North Goa.