KERI: The Khandepar
river
, the main source of raw water for the Opa water treatment plant supplying potable water to Tiswadi and Ponda talukas, is presently under threat due to
rampant
and illegal
sand
mining in Collem, which is part of the eco sensitive area of the western ghats.
The directorate of mines and geology has banned sand mining, but the
illegal
activity continues with the alleged involvement of locals.
Along with sand, pebbles are also excavated. Pebbles are in high demand in the construction industry, sources said.
The combined activity of sand and pebble
mining
has not only affected a 3km stretch of the river and its course, but has also threatened the vasant bandhara constructed by the water resources department. The bandharas serve to augment raw water storage for the summer months.
The
Khandepar
river, which originates in Karnataka, is called the Dudhsagar river in Dharbandora taluka.
Extended mining, deforestation and sand extraction has now caused the Goa-part of the river to run dry by February every year, a phenomenon that has been steadily worsening every year.
“I will inform the mamlatdar of Dharbandoda taluka about conducting a site inspection and submitting a status report on sand mining in the Khandepar river at Collem,” deputy director of mines and Geology Abhir Hede told TOI.
Collem sarpanch Manish Lambor said that he was aware about the sand extraction going on in the river. “Some villagers are involved in it, but not for commercial gains. They only use the sand for constructing their houses,” he said.