Non clearance of sand from river beds might be a reason for floods: Javdekar

Ahmedabad

Expressing apprehension that the over-flooding of the rivers in Gir forest area of Gujarat in June this year which saw the death of 10 Asiatic lions might also be the result of the ‘shallowness’ caused by long time non clearance of sand from river bed, Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar today said that the central government would move to the Supreme Court for removal of the ban over sand mining from the rivers in forest areas.

Addressing a press conference here today Mr. Javadekar said, ”10 lions and many other wild animal lost their lives in the floods in Amreli district. Many of the rivers flowing through the jungles have become shallow due to non clearance of sand since long in the wake of the apex court order. Because of this the rivers were not able to carry the water quickly and this results in floods.’

‘The government has prepared a sustainable sand mining policy in this context which would allow the river sand clearing. We would put it forth in the court for consideration and removal of the ban,’ he said.

The death of lions and hundreds of other animals during heavy monsoon rains in second half of June in and around Gir forests, the only abode to the Asiatic lions spread over 1400 sq km, had raised many questions.The wildlife lovers across the world had expressed concern over the incident.

DeshGujarat