TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: The real estate industry in the State can finally heave a sigh of relief, as some sand plot owners have begun operations to extract sand from river Kali at Karwar on Monday.
According to sources, about four of the 16-odd sand plot owners began extracting sand from river Kali at Kodibag-Karwar, the major sand extraction site.
Sources said authorities have earmarked plots to extract sand from the river Kali and at the same time monitor wayward extraction vigorously. “Permission, termed as permanent, will be for a minimum of five years after due payments of taxes and cess fees,” said sources.
Authorities have assured the stakeholders that the order to transport sand to Goa, as per sand extractors’ strong demand, will be issued within a month.
Speaking to Herald over phone, Uttar Kanada Sand Extractors Association (UKSEA) and Sand Contractors & Boat Owners Association (SCBOA) President Digamber Shet said the state’s environmental clearance has been granted as per directions ordered by the Supreme Court.
“The legal wrangle which was there for sand extraction from river Kali now stands almost over,” Shet assured.
Shet informed that once sand extraction resumes, about 15 days could be lost to meet local needs and thereafter outward sand transportation will start, including sand transportation to Goa.
It may be recalled that last June, the district administration following Supreme Court strictures sought environmental clearance on alleged pollution of river Kali due to large-scale sand extraction and virtually clamped down not only sand extraction/transportation activities, but also imposed hefty fines for any amount/quantity of sand transportation.
According to sources, the environment clearance for sand extraction has been granted with specific clauses and one of the important clauses includes restricting the quantum of sand extraction in a day. Also, what will be enforced is the use of traditional methods and machine-aided sand extraction will not be permitted.
Further, if reports are to be believed, traditional methods of sand extraction will be allowed between 6 am to 6 pm and night sand extraction is banned to facilitate unhindered fishing activities in the regions.
Goa’s real estate industry, finding the local sand availability largely insufficient, used to meet its need from outstation.
The sudden ban in Karnataka, first on sand transportation outside the state and soon after excavation itself, three years ago took a heavy dent on construction activities, more particularly in South Goa, which used to meet its over 90% needs from Karnataka’s bordering districts.
