MARGAO: Anxious that the rampant and illegal sand extraction may damage the foundation of the railway over-bridge at Cotta in Chandor, the South Western Railway Authority is most likely to inspect the site over the next couple of days.
Locals have informed railway authorities about speculations that the foundation of the bridge has been damaged by the suction pumps used to mine river sand.
“The present scenario at the site is the cause of concern for the railways, as the destruction of river banks has been going on for a year and there has been significant damage to the bundhas attached to the bridge foundation,” said Luel Fernandes, a social activist from Chandor.
The bundhas have been washed away and even coconut trees have fallen due to the sand extraction, he added.
Social activists from Chandor, Guirdolim and Curtorim have been fighting to halt sand mining to preserve the riverine ecology.
Public Relations Officer for the South Western Railways Praanesh K N said that he will have engineers visit the site and conduct inspections when Herald brought the issue to his notice. “Yes, we have to conduct the inspection, if the issue is serious in nature. Our team of engineers will take cognizance and further action will be taken very soon,” he said.
The illegal sand extraction is still being carried out, despite High Court directions to keep a strict vigil at the vulnerable sites along Goa’s major rivers- the Zuari, Kushawati, Sal, Chapora and Tiracol.
