MARGAO: Despite a High Court directive asking the State government to enforce strict measures against sand mining, illegal sand mining is being allegedly carried out near ferry point at Rachol in Salcete taluka.
According to the locals, these activities are being done mostly during the night time. They have decided to write to the local panchayat and the Captain of Ports, demanding immediate action against the miscreants.
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The incident underscores the challenges in preventing illegal activities in the region, especially in environmentally sensitive areas. It emphasises the need for stronger enforcement and vigilance to protect natural resources and maintain ecological balance.
Locals have produced several photographic evidences of the site wherein even few pipes are being laid down, which pose threat to the khazan lands and the bundh, which is being constructed for protecting the fields from getting flooded by river water.
Querobino Gomes, former Sarpanch of Village panchayat Rachol said that people have noticed the sand mining activities over here on the bund in the recent days.
“We don’t exactly know since when these sand mining activities are going on over here as this is being done mostly during the late night hours. This activity has also posed serious danger to the protected bundh and the khazan land,” he said.
Gomes further said that even the small traditional old culvert built over here is in danger as the loaded trucks of sand are moving over the culvert.
“It has been noticed that illegal sand mining activities over here have already damaged the riverine ecosystem very badly. And it is high time that action is initiated in order to stop the further destruction,” urged Gomes.
Francisco Gomes, another local resident stated that the restoration of rivers and khazans will cost huge sums of money and take years to accomplish if damaged due to the illegal sand mining activities.
“We demand immediate action from the local panchayat besides other concerned authorities before it results in damage to the riverine ecosystem over here,” he said.
Similarly, Jose Caitan Tavares, resident of Rachol, informed that they will be filing complaints with the concerned authorities, demanding immediate action and booking the culprits.
However, Joseph Vaz, Sarpanch of village panchayat Rachol, was not available for comments as his mobile was “not reachable”.
