Team Herald

PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday directed Mines Department to set up a flying squad and a committee to monitor illegal sand extraction in Goa. The HC has also given six weeks time to the department to fulfil the directions.

“The learned counsel for the petitioner has also drawn our attention to the memorandum issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forest on 24 December 2013, more particularly Clause 2(1)(iii)(e), in respect of the study for annual replenishment of sand. It is pointed out that for carrying out this study, the monsoon period, when the sand mining activity is suspended, could be most ideal,” the HC order states.

The order further says, “Captain of Ports along with the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority and a Biodiversity Board will consider carrying out a preliminary study as contemplated in the Office Memorandum dated 24 December 2013. Since it will be a preliminary study, the same can be conducted as early as possible preferably within a period of four weeks from today, unless of course it is not possible due to some cogent reason or that scientifically it is not the correct time period.”

Directorate of Mines and Geology had renewed 270 permits for sand extraction in five clusters across the State. The department, which granted 458 permits in 2017, had also extended till the end of January the last date for such renewals.

Mines Department had also warned that any illegal extraction would entitle the department to take necessary action, including suspension or cancellation of permit.

Experts have warned that sand mining operations may incur profound ecological changes that could affect the entire ecosystem.