PANJIM: The Goa River Sand Protection Network has filed a contempt petition against government before the High Court of Bombay at Goa over rampant illegal sand mining in the State. The petition, which will be heard on January 10, has pointed out to failures of the departments like Goa Police, Directorate of Miens & Geology, Ports and Transport to implement High Court’s directions to stop sand mining.
“The entire public of the State knows that a judgment has been passed with detailed directions to halt illegal sand mining and transport. Yet, public is also aware that the business of illegal sand extraction is continuing, with sand bearing trucks regularly plying the public roads and highways without hindrance. This can only scandalise the public and diminish the majesty of this court and its orders. Hence, in the interim, some urgent directions are being sought to ensure 100 percent implementation of this court’s directions, which this court may consider granting in the facts and circumstances described by the petitioner,” reads the petition.
The petitioners have pointed out to unabated sand mining at Bicholim, Ponda and several other places. Their communication to the respective departments with proofs such as photographs, registration numbers of canoes, etc, fetched no result following which a contempt petition has been filed in the court.
“The sand extractors are confident that nothing will happen to them, and are willing to continue their illegal activity despite this Court’s directions,” the 26-page petition states while seeking interim directions such as appointment of nodal officers, patrolling, etc, to stall the illegal activity.
