Legalise Sand mining in Goa: Congress MP

Panaji 8 September : South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha on Thursday said the state government should allow the extraction of sand, by identifying suitable locationsSardinha was reacting after an incident of the killing of Sand extractor from Jharkhand in the event of a firing on August 31 in Curchorem in South Goa.

On the 31st of August, a worker who was extracting sand in Jharkhand was killed and another was seriously injured in an incident of firing in Curchorem in South Goa.Yusuf Alam, 23, and Mohammed Sahu, 33, were taken to the health center following the incident.Alam was declared dead and Sahu was transferred to Goa Medical College for treatment due to the fact that he was in critical state "It was shocking to learn that the worker who was working on sand extraction was killed in Curchorem.

Every time Ive asked the government to designate areas for the extraction of sand.Five or six times I asked but the government shook Nelsons attention to my request," he said.

Congress top leader Sardinha stated that the traditional extraction of sand must occur in the state "Only thing to remember is that sand shouldnt be removed near bridges," Sardinha said "Sand is essential for the new construction of homes and buildings.Sand extraction is taking place even though it is not permitted.

This illegal practice can increase the cost of sand and does not decrease later on," he said "I want to inquire from the government, if the sand (illegally) is removed, stored and transported and stored, why no action is being taken to stop them?" he questioned "Hence I want to legalize the sand extraction process and mark the sites," He said.sbk/pgh .