Cong leader wants MoEF to clarify rules for sand mining in Goa

The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) should make rules clear about sand mining in Goa, as the scarcity of raw material has threatened to hit the construction industry badly, a senior Congress leader said today.

The ceasing of sand extraction is affecting the construction industry in the state, Member of Parliament Francisco Sardinha told reporters here.

"I have spoken to the MoEF officials asking them to come to the rescue of the state. The ministry should come out with a clear rule telling the state where sand extraction is allowed and where it is not," Sardinha said.

Sand extraction in the state's rivers has almost come to a standstill following MoEF's circular in 2011.

The MoEF had laid stringent rules, considering that the activity was detrimental to the environment. The ban was imposed on mechanised sand extraction.

In the absence of legal permit for sand extraction, illegal activities are flourishing in Goa.

"Sand is required for any construction activity. Where would the contractors bring it from? This encourages illegal sand extraction," he said.

The price of sand has also gone up, affecting the overall pricing of the construction industry, he said.