New norms for sand extraction

The Goa government today gave directions for devising a policy and finalising guidelines for sand extraction from the rivers in the state as well as its transportation.

After visiting Tirakhol and Keri villages, state chief secretary J P Singh said, "Around 1,400 families, who are employed in sand extraction and transportation activities are facing many hardships not only to maintain their families but also for meeting the financial demands coming from the bankers who have financed the vehicles for sand transportation purposes."

The chief secretary had a meeting with the collector (North Goa), director of mines, police officials, deputy collectors and `mamlatdars' of Pernem taluka and Pernem MLA, Jitendra Deshprabhu. "A mechanism will be devised for taxation and revenue collection for these activities," he added.

Those engaged in sand extraction from the Tirakhol river were being subjected to severe harassment by the local administration in Pernem taluka, according to him.

Singh also gave direction for assessing the environmental impact of sand extraction on rivers so that adequate measures could be implemented to protect rivers from erosion.

The sand extraction mostly takes place from the Maharashtra side of the river, while the extractors as well as the canoe owners use Goan land mass for its storage.

This high quality sand is much sought-after for the construction activity all over the state.