Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 6: In a development that could signal partial relief for sand mining activities in the State, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority has informed the National Green Tribunal that while sand mining remains prohibited in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, removal of sand bars through traditional methods is permissible under existing rules.

In an affidavit submitted before the tribunal, Director of Environment Sachin Desai cited a November 2021 notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which lays down guidelines for sand bar removal in CRZ regions.

As per the notification, sand bars located in intertidal zones can be removed manually by traditional coastal communities. The State government may allow such activities for a limited duration and quantity, subject to strict conditions including annual registration and renewal of permissions for local participants.

Referring to these provisions, the GCZMA stated that the appeal challenging sand mining permissions “is liable to be dismissed.”

The affidavit pertains to a case opposing environmental clearance for sand extraction in a CRZ area along the Mandovi river, particularly the alleged Zone IV stretch at Khandola. The Goa River Sand Protection Network has contested the clearance granted for extraction across 4.55 hectares with a capacity of 1,000 cubic metres per year using traditional methods.

However, the authority clarified that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) has been issued so far for sand mining in the area. It maintained that any proposal would be examined strictly in accordance with central guidelines.

“The present appeal is premature as no permission or NOC has been granted or considered,” the affidavit noted, adding that pending applications would be decided as per law.

Meanwhile, the tribunal has extended the interim ban on sand mining in the State until April 23, when the matter is scheduled for further hearing.