Team Herald
PANJIM: The Tourism department’s beach inspection squads have been instructed to keep a tab on unauthorized sand extraction. The order comes after its officials caught a group of labourers illegally extracting sand from Agonda beach and transporting it to a nearby construction site.
The inspecting officials had been deployed to inspect beach cleanliness and lifeguard services at Agonda when they stumbled upon the illegal activity. Tourism Director Ameya Abhyankar said a detailed report of the incident has been submitted to GCZMA and the District Magistrate.
The Tourism department has also forwarded the report to Canacona police station for registering an FIR against the offenders.
“The police and authorities concerned are investigating this matter and action will be taken against those engaged in illegal sand mining on the beaches of Goa,” he said.
In wake of this case, the department has decided to maintain a close watch along the beach belt to ensure that there is no illegal activity and has instructed its beach inspection squads to report any such activity.
