Team Herald
PORVORIM: The State government has started identifying minor mineral stone quarries operating illegally and so far 53 people are booked for theft of mineral resources, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told House on Wednesday.
Sawant, who is also Minister for Mines, said action against the illegal operators will be initiated under the provisions of Goa Minor Mineral Concession Rules 1985. He said that the District Collector has issued directions to the Mamlatdars to identify illegal stone quarries in their respective jurisdictions and to initiate actions under Section 33 of the Goa Land Revenue Code 1968.
The Chief Minister said the government so far has commenced recovery proceedings against 92 people including the land owners in cases where quarry were operating without permission in private lands.
Sawant was replying to the calling attention motion moved by Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar with regards abandoned open stone quarries filled with rainwater causing danger to life.
He said these open quarries are gaining popularity among youth as picnic spots and increasing fatal incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the safety of people.
Sawant said where valid quarrying leases are issued, Directorate of Mines and Geology has instructed all the quarry owners to take necessary safety precautionary measures including fencing of the quarrying pits to ensure that there are no untoward incidents.
He said where there are illegal quarrying pits; the same are reclaimed by refilling of the quarrying pits with bio degradable and non-hazardous waste. Further warning signboards are erected at such sites to caution the public not to venture into activities like swimming at such spots, he added.
