TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: They had to undergo worst ever season last year after the ban on sand extraction adversely affected construction activities.
And even as they were looking forward to a new season post-monsoon, brick manufactures and labourers involved in the activity at Sao Jose de Areal-Guri-Paroda belt in Salcete see a bleak future with the National Green Tribunal ordering a ban on earth excavation for brick and road making.
The Sao Jose de Areal-Guri-Paroda belt is the only place in Salcete where brick making activity is being undertaken over the last 3-4 decades. Already hit by the disruption in sand supply last season, reducing the demand for bricks, the manufactures numbering around 10-12 to be precise are keeping their fingers crossed over their fate with the NGT pronouncing its order a day ago.
Says former Zilla Panchayat member, Jimmy Rodrigues, whose family is into the business of brick making: “Last season our traditional business suffered immensely. There was no sand available and hence the demand for bricks and stones hit rock bottom. Bricks manufactured last season are awaiting disposal for want of demand.” Normally, brick manufacturing in the state resumes after monsoons, but the NGT order will further postpone the activity this year. “Here, it is not the issue of the manufacturers, but the workers engaged in brick making. There are so many families involved. We do not know the fate of these workers. We have only read in the newspapers about the ban. Things will be clear in the next few days,” he said.
