Fresh uncertainty over sand mining future
PANAJI
The Goa Forest Department has identified 672.94 hectares of ecologically sensitive land along the banks of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The decision has cast fresh uncertainty over the future of sand mining in the state.
In an official communication to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, the Forest Department said the demarcated stretches- covering about 6.72 million square metres - have been classified as ecologically vulnerable zones requiring protection. With the notification, several activities have been barred in these areas, including sand mining.
Sand mining in Goa has effectively remained stalled since 2019, and the latest move is likely to further complicate any plans for its resumption. Environmental clearances granted for sand extraction along the Mandovi river have already been challenged, with objections citing violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
The fresh delineation of riverbank areas as ecologically sensitive is expected to strengthen regulatory scrutiny, as sand mining is a tightly controlled activity and may now face additional legal and environmental hurdles.
The Forest Department has urged the TCP authorities to take necessary action under the TCP Act to safeguard these stretches from unregulated development.
As per communication addressed to the Chief Town Planner, detailed maps marking the vulnerable zones have also been submitted to facilitate planning interventions and regulatory measures aimed at preserving the fragile riverine ecosystem.
