‘Will commit suicide if sand extraction not permitted’

PONDA:  Stating that they are suffering and that their livelihood is at stake, around 70 traditional sand extractors Volvoi, Savoi Verem called on the government to immediately address their demands. 

Addressing media persons on the bank of Volvoi River, the group claimed that their family is suffering and that if the government cannot permit them to carry out sand extraction, then they will have no option left but to commit suicide ‘like the farmers in the country’. 

On this note, they demanded that their permits be renewed. 

They also made the case that ‘poor section of society’

 who wish to buy sand to build their houses will find it unaffordable, if the status quo continues. 

“If we are not allowed to extract sand, then the rates of sand, which are already inflated will further increase and go beyond the reach of the poor, who want sand for the construction of their houses, “ said a member of the group. 

“If the government cannot allow us sand extraction then it should provide us with government jobs,” another member added.  The group then showed their abandoned canoes lying idle on the bank of the river.  They further blamed NGOs for ruining their business. 

“We extract sand for our survival but now people calls us sand Mafia. How will we survive?” a local questioned, while reiterating that they should be provided with government jobs as an alternative. 

Former Sarpanch of Volvoi, Vinayak Vengurlekar launched a tirade against the government for giving a free hand to mining companies to desilt the river, while depriving the locals sand extraction opportunities. Producing documents obtained under RTI, Vinayak alleged that in the name of government permissions for dredging silt in the river to allow barge movement, mining companies are illegally extracting sand. Pointing out that locals follow the rules, Vinayak hit out at the government for alleged discrimination against them. 

“This is great injustice as the mining companies, without any environment certificates, are freely allowed to dredge 5,500 cubic metres silt from the river for barge movement.  However, mining companies are instead extracting huge quantity of sand from Volvoi River and conducting business in this regard. They are using machinery like suction pump to extract vast quantities of sand, while the government is denying permissions to the locals for using the traditional method,” added Vinayak. 

“Furthermore, these companies are not required to give an account of silt and sand extracted by them, whereas in case we extract sand, the flying squad takes strict action. Why this discrimination against us and privilege for mining companies,” said Vinayak. 

He demanded that the government stops permitting mining companies to carry out desilting work and that the same work should be instead given to the locals so that they can earn some income.  

Meanwhile, the sand extraction issue has reached the High Court after a petition had been filed over the indiscriminate activities which have led to soil erosion. The government has not renewed licenses and has directed the police to file offences against those involved in illegal sand extraction and to seize the machinery involved following the court’s directions.