Export of sand from Orissa: Singapore one of the destinations

Environmentalists expressed concern over illegal export of sand from Orissa coast in the name of Tsunami
Orissa Diary 4 Oct 09;

Report by Amarnath Parida; Paradip: Environmentalists and marine experts have expressed their serious concern for frequent export of sand from Orissa coast to foreign countries causing soil erosion and loss of state exchequer .Meanwhile, one Maldives based foreign vessel has been returned from Paradip without taking sand due to delay to get government clearance for exporting of sand to foreign countries.

After exporting of minerals from Orissa, foreign countries have now eyed on sand to export it from Orissa coast to their own countries being refused by other states Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Meanwhile, these states which have been exported sand to foreign countries have restricted not to export sand from their coast to check the sea erosion and for the safety of soil & other valuable minerals.

One Maldives based vessel were on anchorage in Paradip port about one month and obtained permission from the state government through district administration to export sand from Orissa coast bringing serious concern among the environmentalists, marine experts and the people of this district. Though, this vessel has returned back to its own country without sand due to delay of obtaining state government clearance but environmentalists have expressed their serious concern for frequent sand export to foreign countries.

After exporting of sand to Tsunami affected Andaman Nicober, foreign countries like Maldives, Marisasa, Indonesia, Singapore and other foreign countries have decided to export sand from Orissa coast. Earlier, sand is being exported to Andaman Nicober for Tsunami affected people to construct their house as per the notification of central government. Interestingly, many states have already imposed restrictions to export sand from their coast while Orissa governemant has no policy about the exporting of sand in which foreign countries have shown their eagerness to export sand from Orissa coast.

Contacted, Traffic Manger, Paradip Port Trust Mr Saroja Mishra has expressed that sand is being exported to only Andaman Nicober of our country but no sand has yet exported foreign countries from Paradip port. On the other hand, Jayant Das , manger of Synergy Shipping Private Ltd , Paradip ( exporter of sand ) has confessed that nearly 15 to 18.000 metric tones of sand has been exported to Andaman Nicober for Tsunami affected people on three occasions.

He also confessed that ‘we have sought the permission from the state government and district administration to export sand to foreign countries. He said that one Maldives based ship has been returned from Paradip port without taking sand due to delay for obtaining government clearance .

Locals have alleged that sand have been exported to foreign countries in the name of Tsunami affected people through Paradip port without the knowledge of the administration.

Frequent export of sand and dredging of sand in Paradip coast has caused sea erosion in costal villages of this district bringing sleepless night to the thousands villagers .Locals have alleged that sea has changed its course and sea & river embankments have been weakened due to shifting and dredging of sand.

But questions have arisen how the revenue Department has given permission for shifting of sand to other states. Frequent soil erosion would cause the new mouth if there are large waves there is a possibility of the hundreds of villages meeting a watery grave in the sea.-warned environmentalists.

On the other hand, president of Upkual Banchao Samiti Mr Pratap Shaoo has expressed that not only soil erosion but state has faced heavy loss to collect only Rs 10 to 15 per one cm of sand towards royalty being fixed for domestic purposes during export to other states. He has demanded to fix Rs 150 to Rs 200 towards royalty for exporting of sand.

District Collector Mr Gyanranjan Das has expressed that administration has sought permission of the state government to export sand to foreign countries. He has expressed that stern action would be taken against the exporters if they would supply sand to foreign countries without the permission from the district administration.