In a major crackdown on illegal sand mining, a high-tech suction pump was seized during a joint raid at Xelvona-Curchorem last week. The operation, involving personnel from the Captain of Ports, Quepem Mamlatdar, the Department of Mines and Geology, and Curchorem Police, uncovered large-scale sand extraction disguised under a fraudulent fishing licence.
Authorities revealed that the site was falsely registered as a fishing unit to mask the unlawful mining activity. The raid led to the dismantling of advanced suction equipment used to extract sand from the riverbed, raising serious environmental concerns.
An offence has been registered against the company involved for multiple violations, including illegal extraction of natural resources, misuse of government licences, and breaching environmental regulations.
Officials from the Mines and Geology Department stated that further legal action is being pursued, and investigations are underway to determine the extent of the operation and any additional parties involved.
The raid underscores growing concerns over the environmental damage caused by unregulated sand mining in Goa’s rivers, prompting calls for tighter surveillance and stricter enforcement.