Uncontrolled sand extraction along the Tiracol river isposing a threat to houses on its banks and could result in an ecologicaldisaster.
Unoffi cial figures put 35 % of sand extraction in the stateoccurs along the river. The boom in the real estate sector has fuelled thisactivity. With no regulation, the state earns nothing while its naturalresources are being indiscriminately ransacked.
In addition, sand is also being extracted in Kiranpani, Bhalkhajan,Deusu, Ugve, Latambarsem and Torse.
Ajit Tari, a resident of Paliem said, “Continuous quarryingof sand has caused houses to develop cracks as river banks have beencollapsing. So far five-six houses have developed cracks.
If it is not regulated the houses will collapse and otherhouses in Kiranpani will be endangered.”
In addition, mangrove beds are being destroyed, the riversdepth is increasing, and the marine ecosystem under threat. The indiscriminatesand extracted, which is transported daily in trucks to cater to the boomingconstruction industry, is posing a threat to the houses nearby. They stand tobe washed away in the event of high tide.
Recently, sand extraction began in Bhalkhajan in Pernem. Themangrove beds were cleared. This activity has given rise to other criminalactivities.
With records not being maintained, the labourers involved incriminal activity including drug transportation can’t be tracked. Parvati Naik,a villager said, “As a child I used to hook the shellfish from the river butsand mining has destroyed their breeding grounds”.
