Goa, renowned for its beaches and tourism, faces a sand shortage impacting over 2 lakh construction workers and potentially thousands in the real estate sector. Environmental regulations restrict sand extraction, with most deposits in ecologically sensitive coastal zones. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged the central government to allow limited sand extraction from these areas using manual methods. The shortage threatens construction delays and increased costs, affecting affordable and luxury housing markets. Balancing environmental protection with construction needs is crucial. The central government's decision on Goa's request will significantly impact the state's construction industry and economic growth.
Goa, a state known for its beautiful beaches and tourism industry, is facing a shortage of sand, a crucial component in construction, impacting over 2 lakh construction workers and potentially affecting thousands employed in Goa's real estate sector. This shortage has caused concern for the state's construction industry and real estate market.
Sand extraction in Goa is restricted due to environmental regulations. Current central government guidelines, established in 2011 and 2019, primarily focus on dry riverbed mining. However, most sand deposits in Goa, estimated at over 5 million cubic metres, are located in estuaries and coastal regulation zones (CRZ) that cover around 70% of Goa's coastline. These areas are protected due to their ecological importance and role in preventing coastal erosion.
The Goa government is in talks with the central government to explore solutions to the sand shortage. In a recent meeting, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged the Union Environment Minister, Bhupendra Yadav, to consider allowing sand extraction from sand bars within CRZ areas. The extraction methods proposed involve minimal impact, such as manual collection, and would only be implemented after conducting detailed environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and studies on sand accretion and erosion, typically carried out by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
The state government acknowledges the environmental concerns surrounding sand mining. However, they propose a solution involving manual extraction with minimal impact and only after conducting detailed studies.
The sand shortage has already impacted the construction industry in Goa, potentially causing delays and increased costs for construction projects. This can have a ripple effect on the real estate market, with potential delays in project completion and potentially higher property prices for buyers. Goa's real estate market caters to a range of buyers, including those seeking affordable housing options and luxury beachside properties. A prolonged sand shortage could impact all segments of the market.
Finding a solution to the sand shortage requires balancing environmental protection with the needs of the construction sector. The central government's decision on Goa's request will be crucial in determining the future of construction activity and the real estate market in the state. If approved, controlled sand extraction with proper safeguards could ease the current shortage. However, a rejection could lead to continued challenges for Goa's construction industry and real estate sector, potentially impacting livelihoods and Goa's economic growth.
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