Anti-sand mining ‘Goa River Sand Protectors Network’ formed

Team Herald

PANJIM: The anti-sand mining activists group ‘Goa River Sand Protectors Network’ (GRSPN) have decided to ensure that the recent order of Bombay High Court (HC) at Goa is implemented in toto, which makes it mandatory to prosecute all those involved in illegal sand mining activities.  

The HC in an order passed on December 18, has issued a series of directions to the government to curb illegal sand mining in the State. It has asked to file the First Information Report (FIR) by invoking the appropriate provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against those found involved in illegal sand mining and that such prosecutions should be pursued with all seriousness and taken to its logical conclusion.

Addressing media persons on Monday, GRSPN members welcomed the judgment of the High Court.

Comprising activists from across the State who have come under one common platform, GRSPN further stated that they will ensure that each direction of the HC is implemented by the government authorities across the State.  

“The present Network has been set up to ensure that the judgment is implemented in toto. We will henceforth closely monitor sand extraction activities taking place in the State and ensure that regular documented complaints are filed with the relevant authorities and high court,” Goa Foundation director Claude Alvares said. 

He said that they will also make sure that boats, used are confiscated and destroyed and that the licence of trucks carrying stolen sand are cancelled. 

Alvares also said that they will approach the Mines department seeking inquiry into the sand used at construction sites, since there is ban on sand mining in Goa. 

The Network members alleged that the coastal police, police, mamlatdars, Captain of Ports officials are hand-in-gloves with the sand extractors and hence no action is taken against the latter..