Team Herald
PERNEM: Despite the government banning sand mining, rapid sand extraction has turned out to be a cause of concern as Pernem residents blame concerned authorities for turning a blind eye to the illegal activity, which they claim, has increased at an alarming rate.
It is pertinent to note that the Tiracol River is major source for sand mining activities in Pernem. Sand mining poses danger to the environment as the depth of the river has increased. The locals alleged that the entire river stretch from Kiranpani to Patradevi is used for sand mining especially late night or early morning and that too under the nose of authorities concerned.
The locals allege that though the authorities concerned are aware of sand mining, they have completely failed to control the activity.
Sources informed that the major sand extraction sites are Devsu, Kiranani, Naibagh, Balkhajan, Parashte, Ugvem, Torxem and Porascadem. They alleged that the sand mafia controls the concerned government department as officials collect commission from these businessmen.
It is further alleged that whenever raids are planned or conducted, a particular person involved in sand mining in that particular area is informed about the raid well in advance and due to this many raids are cancelled as money power plays a big role. In case if raid is conducted then the officials return empty-handed.
“Sand mining is going on openly in Pernem and the concerned authorities have failed to control the activity. Sand mining in completely banned but sand is extracted on a regular basis”, Sidhish Naik, a local alleged.
“Sand is extracted and dumped at riverside. Trucks are found transporting sand early morning and in daylight too. However, the concerned authorities have turned a blind eye to this as they get commissions,” another resident Shamsundar Salgaonkar charged.
