Team Herald
PONDA: Irked over the Monday’s raid wherein the Mines Department and police teams seized massive stock of illegal sand extracted from Volvoi River besides attaching a truck, the traditional sand extractors complained that they are disappointed with frequent raids as it has been almost two seasons that they have not been issued permits.
The traditional sand extractors said they have no other business but only depend on the sand extraction in Volvoi as it is their traditional business.
Though the sand extraction matter is pending in Court, they said it (the court) had never stopped the government from issuing licences and demanded that government should issue licences and legalise their business.
Volvoi acting sarpanch Digambar Tari said instead of conducting raid on sand mining, the government should regularise the sand extraction business. Government should permit it is as seasonal and traditional business if not it should provide them with government jobs.
He said, “I am fully supporting traditional sand extractors and the government should provide justice to them. Instead of conducting frequent raids, the government should either issue licences for sand extraction or provide them with government jobs.”
He demanded that the government remove the restrictions on sand extraction.
“Now the four-month ban during monsoon is over and they should be issued licences to earn their livelihood. The court had never stopped the government from issuing licences to traditional sand extractors but asked to permit them after following necessary rules.”
