Goa, Jan. 20 -- The recent headlines in the local press that "70 cubic metres of sand dumped back into the Chapora river" and that "illegally extracted sand dumped back under Amona bridge" is rather disturbing. All this while, sand extraction happened mostly in Tiracol river; but now it appears that mining of sand is spread in all the seven major rivers of Goa. Most of this activity does not have approvals from competent authorities, as it is banned. Heavy mining in the River Zuari at Curtorim is the latest example. With illegal sand extraction now being reported within the rivers almost daily, it is obvious that there is no respite in the relentless assault on the sensitive natural ecosystems of Goa.
If illegal sand is to be reimbursed to...