Group petitions CM over sand scarcity issue (ToI)

TNN | Oct 25, 2013, 03.33 AM IST MARGAO: A delegation consisting of the state managing committee of Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) along with executive committee of South Goa Sand Suppliers' Association (SGSSA) met chief minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday and handed over to him a memorandum urging him to take immediate steps to resolve the issues arising out of sand scarcity in Goa. The delegation pointed out to the chief minister the problems faced by the sand transporters owing to shortage of sand and the crisis that has gripped the construction industry. Parrikar told the delegation, sources informed, that the government has already filled an affidavit with National Green Tribunal with a plea to exclude Goa from sand ban as the extraction of sand in Goa is being done manually and that the regular extraction of sand from the rivers also prevents flooding of the rivers. The chief minister is learnt to have told the delegation that he was expecting the central government to form a new committee that would be tasked with scrutinizing the applications received for sand extraction in Goa. Parrikar also reassured the delegation that the sand problem will be resolved within next two to three weeks and that sand will be available in Goa at "reasonable" rates thereafter. President of Goa unit of CREDAI, Desh Prabhudesai, treasurer Joe Mathais, president of SGSSA, Kadar Shaikh, secretary Prashant Naik and treasurer Devdatta Bandekar, among others, comprised the delegation. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Group-petitions-CM-over-sand-scarcity-issue/articleshow/24682018.cms Will ensure sand at reasonable rate: Parrikar October 25, 2013 TEAM HERALD MARGAO: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has assured of a solution to the sand shortage problem within 2-3 weeks, promising that Goa will get sand at reasonable rates. He also expressed the hope that the Centre will form a new committee for scrutiny of applications received for sand extraction in Goa. The Chief Minister gave these assurances to a delegation comprising of CREDAI-Goa unit managing Committee and executive committee of South Goa Sand Suppliers Association that called on him on Thursday. The delegation explained the problems faced by the construction industry for want of sand and impressed upon the Chief Minister to find out a solution keep in mind the construction industry. Sand suppliers secretary Prashant Naik said that Parrikar has told the delegation not to panic. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Will-ensure-sand-at-reasonable-rate-Parrikar/81125.html