the goan I network
PANAJI
In a bid to curb rampant sand extraction which could have a detrimental effect on the environment, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has issued new guidelines for sand extraction in the State which would involve various checks, balances and stiff penal action on those illegally extracting sand.
Under the new guidelines, it would be mandatory to have an annual audit of the environment after sand extraction and to ban sand extraction within 1 km of bridges and highways.
Besides, a check on sand extraction by installing CCTV cameras, installation of fences, promotion of online sale of sand to ensure transparency and strict action against the sand mafia has also been recommended in the new guidelines.
As part of MoEF’s guidelines, strict penal action has been recommended against those involved in illegal sand extraction under the State Land Revenue Act, while also making the offence punishable under Section 379 of IPC.
Other recommendations include suspension of the vehicle registration and the driving licence of those engaged in the illegal transportation of sand, action against the sand mafia under the provision of the Income Tax Act and action against non-declared assets of sand extractors.
The MoEF guidelines also prescribe additional penalty on others involved in illegal sand extraction.
While it was noticed that action is generally initiated against drivers for illegally transporting the sand during raids on sand extraction sites, the Centre’s guidelines have recommended action against the land owner, where the illegally extracted sand had been stored.
The guidelines have also recommended a three-fold hike in the fine for the seized sand and the services of IT technology in the control of illegal sand extraction.
The MoEF guidelines also specify a District Level Survey Report for sand extraction and no-sand extraction zones.
The guidelines have made it mandatory for sand extractors to specify the mining site which should not exceed 10 sq mtrs, while adding that the sand can be extracted up to 3
metres deep and should not extracted beyond 60,000 metric tonnes each year.
The MoEF has also recommended a special enforcement force to control sand extraction, which would also review the sand extraction business from time to time.
“These guidelines by the MoEF are being studied by the mines department. If implemented, it would help Goa address the problem of rampant sand extraction in different parts of the State,” a source told The Goan.
