PANAJI
In what could further delay the resumption of legal sand mining in Goa, the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has deferred decision on grant of Environmental Clearances (ECs) for sand extraction in 12 zones across River Mandovi and Zuari, following errors in the District Survey Reports (DSR).
In October, the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) had recommended the proposal for fresh ECs before SEIAA. The ECs were recommended for sand mining in seven zones in River Mandovi and five in Zuari. Based on the recommendation, the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) had invited online applications from the local community for grant of sand extraction permits.
During its meeting held on October 30, the SEIAA decided to conduct a site inspection. The authority also decided to refer the DSR back to the District Collectors and DMG for proper determination of the zones.
The Authority took cognizance of the fact that in the DSR prepared by the District Collectors, there is mention of various zones which are identified for the purpose of extraction of sand.
“Apparently the Zone 1, Zone 2 & Zone 3 of Mandovi River which are located in District of North Goa are finding a mention in DSR of South Goa. So also some villages which are of North Goa District like that of Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7 and Zone 8 of Mandovi River which are located in North Goa District seem to be finding mention in the DSR prepared by South Goa Collector,” the Authority noted.
“The Authority feels it appropriate to refer the DSR back to the District Collector South Goa and Directorate of Mines and Geology for reappraisal and for proper determination of the Zones of North & South Goa District because in the near future there should not be any conflict for implementation & execution of the conditions levied in the Environmental Clearance on administrative and other grounds,” states the minutes of the meeting.
Based on the DSR submitted by the District Collectors, the DMG had applied for ECs. As per the study, the Mineral Potential across the Zuari River is 30,81,109 MT and for Mandovi 60,27,899 MT as per the NIO study.
