PANAJI
The government-appointed agency has identified around 1.67 lakh cubic metric tonnes of excavated sand at 12 spots along the Chapora river.
The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has submitted a report to the State bio-diversity board. The environment impact assessment of the six sites out of 12 sites has been done and has suggested that 33.20 lakh cubic meters sand can be excavated from these sites. The report has been placed before the division bench of Bombay High Court at Panaji.
It may be recalled that the matter of sand excavation has been pending before the High Court. There are two different petitions regarding sand excavations going on before the court.
The Goa River and Sand Protectors Network has filed a petition before the court. The Chief Secretary, Mines Director, Director General of Police, Captain of Ports and Transport Director have been made a party in the matter.
Another NGO Rainbow Warriors had also filed a petition before the court in May 2018.
During the hearing, the government has initiated the process of identifying the sites for sand excavation, and now the report has been submitted to the court.
Wildlife sanctuary area, Morjim jetty, Vadji supermarket area, Sateri Devasthan, Camurlim ferry, Our Lady of Propriety Chappel, Sateri Devasthan, Abrevado, Revoda railway bridge, Juvem, Pirna, Vajrim bridge are the areas where the sand excavation can be done, according to the report.The report regarding the Mandovi river will be completed in April.
The NIO has completed the study of the Mandovi river coastline and the report about it will be submitted in April 2021. The information has been given in the affidavit submitted by the biodiversity board secretary Dr Pradip Sarmukadam.
