Valpoi: As Goans continue to agitate and seek a strong response from the Goa Government, over the ongoing issue of the diversion of the pristine waters of River Mhadei, a special investigation by Herald TV has brought to light its best-kept secret – illegal sand mining.
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary on paper may be a protected area, but the issue is beyond just water distribution between Karnataka and Goa. Herald TV is in possession of exclusive and accurate evidence wherein river beds at various places have been plundered with either gelatin sticks or quarrying- both illegal, right at the heart of the sanctuary. Almost zero presence of fish in the water bodies is the biggest indicator that gelatin sticks are also used to rob the fish, allege wildlife enthusiasts.
Herald TV spoke to the locals from Valpoi, which is the epicentre currently where this mafia has been operating with the invisible blessings of authorities and politicians. The local residents refused to come on camera totally, fearing repercussions, but in strict confidence spelt out the modus operandi. According to them, sand is legally excavated and kept as heaps at multiple places to dry. Then, on a particular day, mostly on Sundays and public holidays, when the forest guards are napping, trucks and smaller good vehicles drive straight through the ecologically sensitive sanctuary, that has seen tiger presence in the past, and collect the sand to be sold to the highest bidder, from the construction sector.
Strong evidence in possession of Herald TV shows fresh tire tracks of goods vehicles inside the protected Sanctuary can be seen in multiple areas. There are at least 4 places where Team Herald has seen sand being mined illegally.
Further investigation has shown how there was no monitoring facility inside the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, as hooligans allegedly backed by politicians, rape the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
According to Goa’s leading environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar who has raised several issues within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, he says the rampant illegal mining has been going on for quite some time for commercial purposes. ” This will have a severe effect on the ecology of the area. The constant destruction of the river banks will also change the course of the water flow of the river” says Kerkar.
When Herald TV contacted the officials at the Mines and Geology Department, the officials concerned refused to comment on the issue. When the local panch member, Laxman Gawas from Valpoi, in whose jurisdiction these videos were shot, was asked to comment, he too simply refused.
There are heaps of illegal sand that is mined and kept at various places. Videographic evidence also shows there was human presence in the area, owing to empty food packets, utensils and other items.
Thus as Goa dreams of its waters not being diverted and salvage a mammoth ecological problem, the belly of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, without a doubt is being assaulted, tooth and nail.
