Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, IAS has directed all the officers to comply with the directions of the High Court in the matter of writ petition No 14 of 2018 on sand mining.
At a meeting presided by him at the Secretariat, Chief Secretary directed the Line Departments to address the issue of illegal sand extraction.
The meeting was attended by Collectors (North and South), the Superintendent of Police (North and South), Superintendent of Police (Coastal), Director of Mines and Geology, Director of Environment, Director of Information and Publicity, Director of Transport and Deputy Director of Captain of Ports.
He directed all the concerned departments to ensure strict vigil on the areas where sand is extracted illegally and along the route, which are transporting illegally extracted sand.
He instructed the Police Department to have frequent random checks in the notorious areas.
He said the illegally extracted sand, which is stacked on the river banks, should be put back into the river as per directives of the High Court and PWD is to render all help and assistance with regards to earthmovers/excavators to the police and flying squad as and when required for the purpose. All the line departments are directed to submit fortnightly report on action taken to Chief Secretary through Directorate of Mines and Geology.
The control room/helpline numbers for lodging complaints pertaining to extraction and/or transportation of sand/minor minerals are 0832-2225383/2225083 for North Goa District and 0832-2794100 for South Goa District. Complaints can also be lodged on Emergency No 100.
The Transport Department has been directed to initiate simultaneous and independent action against the trucks and other machineries involved in illegal activities pertaining to minor minerals.
The Chief Secretary directed Flying Squads to be functional round-the-clock and take prompt action. Mamlatdars and talathis of concerned areas and the police inspectors and bit officers of the concerned police jurisdiction are to be given the responsibility to check compliance of directives in their jurisdiction.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa bench had passed an order in writ petition No 14 of 2018 vide order dated 18/12/2019.
