Home BusinessSand exports from Paradeep raises concern
The environmentalists and marine experts have raised serious concerns over export of sand from Orissa.
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They feel, frequent export of sand from the state will lead to massive soil erosion.
It may be noted some coastal states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have already imposed curbs on export of sand to foreign countries.
In this backdrop, countries like Maldives, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore are increasingly banking on Orissa to source sand.
A Maldives-based vessel recently returned from the Paradeep port without taking sand due to the delay in obtaining the government clearance. This vessel waited at the Paradeep port for about one month before retreating.
Even though some states have already imposed restrictions on export of sand from their coast, the Orissa government has no policy in place in this regard.
When contacted, Saroj Mishra, traffic manager, Paradeep Port Trust (PPT) said, “So far, sand from the Orissa coast has only been sent to Andaman and Nicobar Islands to undertake construction work for the tsunami affected people. No sand has been exported to foreign countries.”
However, locals alleged that sand is being exported to foreign countries in the name of the tsunami affected people through the Paradeep port without the knowledge of the administration.
They further said that the sea has changed its course and sea as well as river embankments have been weakened due to shifting and dredging of sand.
Gyanranjan Das, the district collector said the district administration has sought the permission of the state government to export sand to foreign countries.
He warned that stern action would be taken against the exporters if they supply sand to foreign countries without the permission of the district administration.