PANAJI
Further sand mining in the Tiracol river may be a non-starter as the North Goa district survey report has warned it could lead to further damage to the riverine and estuarine environment.
“Past sand extraction activities in the Terekhol river had resulted in erosion and collapse of the river’s banks besides disappearance of two mangrove covered islands and mudflats,” the survey notes adding that these are irreversible impacts and the estuarine habitat could get further damaged if the activity is permitted to continue.
The report is prepared by the State government’s Department of Mining and Geology based on data from other government departments besides the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula.
The crucial report could define the State government’s sand mining policy and includes several recommendations related to the activity in Tiswadi and Bicholim talukas.
