Panjim: The recently released comprehensive district survey report on river sand mining in North Goa district has warned of serious environmental consequences associated with sand extraction activities in the Tiracol river.
The report, compiled from data from various government departments of the state of Goa and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, reveals alarming impacts on the river and estuarine environment.
“Sand extraction activities in the Tirakol River have resulted in erosion and collapse of the banks, as well as the disappearance of two mangrove-covered islands and mudflats. These are irreversible impacts on the estuary and habitat, and if mining activities are allowed to continue, it may cause further damage to the river and estuarine environment,” the district survey said.
The Joint Committee for Sand Mining has proposed a series of recommendations regarding sand mining in Tiswadi and Bicholim, focusing primarily on sustainable practices and environmental compliance. Key suggestions are to limit sand mining to traditional coastal communities using non-mechanized manual methods. It is proposed to restrict the use of mechanized boats, suction pumps and dredgers in river sand mining.
To ensure adherence to the guidelines, the report calls for installation of CCTV cameras at important points such as stockyards and check posts on sand transportation routes. These cameras will be linked to the servers of District/Taluka Sand Monitoring Committees and Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) for continuous monitoring.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of being in line with existing guidelines, particularly the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines (SSMG), 2016 and the Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining (EMGSM), 2020.
To ensure responsible sand mining practices the allocation of environmental clearance (EC) should be auctioned and permanently limited to acceptable quantities.
As concerns grow about the environmental impact of sand mining, the recommendations outlined in the district survey report aim to shape future policies and protect the fragile river and estuarine ecosystem in North Goa.
