Margao: Since the last few weeks, there is rampant illegal sand extraction being carried out along the Zuari river near the old Borim bridge. The sand is being extracted using two boats and is being dumped along the bank of the river in Loutolim below the old Borim bridge. The sand is then transported using trucks and pickups.
Interestingly, a complaint was filed by one Jose S Rodrigues, a resident of Shiroda on February 1 in the office of the Mamlatdar of Salcete. However, according to Jose, no action was taken by the Mamlatdar. Subsequently, on Feb9, he had informed the control room of the Flying Squad but they failed to arrive and stop the illegality. On Wednesday, he once again called the flying squad at 1.50 pm but the flying squad failed to show up.
The proximity of the sand mining activity near Borim bridge raises serious safety concerns. “As the sand is extracted, it leaves a depression in the river bed. This depression destabilises the river bed which supports the foundation of the Borim bridge pillars. The depression also accelerates the erosion of the earth in the surrounding area. Tomorrow if the bridge becomes weak, it will cut-off one major lifeline between North and South Goa”, said Jose
