TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Directorate of Mines and Geology has received over 350 applications for permits for sand extraction through manual method till Friday, which was the last date for submitting applications.
Sand extraction through mechanised method is banned in the State.
All the applications would now be forwarded to the State government appointed committees headed by district collectors. The committees were constituted to regulate and oversee sand mining.
Confirming the details, Assistant Director Mines Parag Nagarcekar said that the department has received over 350 applications for sand extraction only from traditional communities, who are engaged in sand collection in non-mechanised dinghies or small boats using baskets or buckets.
Nagarcekar said that all the applications would be moved to the Committees for scrutiny and thereafter it would also decide on the exact time period when sand extraction can start.
Mines department on July 30, through a circular, invited applications for sand extraction by August 12. Following public demand the deadline was extended to August 30.
The Committees identified 12 areas in north Goa along the Tiracol, Chapora and Mandovi rivers for extraction. It was also decided to mark safety zones and ecologically fragile zones, where extraction is banned.
Sand extraction will be allowed at Kiranpani, Devsu, Konnadi and Bagayat areas in River Tiracol.
The zones of Colvale, Nadora, Ozrom-Pirna and Camurlim have been identified on River Chapora and Amona-Virdi, St Estevam, Betki-Khandola and Savoi Verem on River Mandovi.
Government has already made its stand on sand mining clear before NGT informing about the various measures initiated by it to legalize and regulate extraction of sand.
