Team Herald
PONDA: Two locals served a legal notice through their lawyer to the Directorate of Mines and Geology alleging that the department was not initiating action against an illegal stone quarry operating at Usgao.
The lawyer stated that his clients had filed several complaints about an illegal stone quarry operating in the area and site inspections were also carried by the Mines officials on September 2, 2021, and July 25, 2022 and it was found that illegal quarrying was being carried out in the area.
“The value of the mineral (stones) extracted by the violators was Rs 26,07,769 and till date no action was taken by the department to recover the amount from the violators. No criminal proceedings were initiated against those violating the provisions of The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation ) Act , 1957 and Goa Mineral Concession Rules , 1985,” read the notice,
The notice further stated that the application seeking copies of the Action Taken Report under the Right to Information Act applied on 28 September, 2022, asking for copies of show cause notices, FIR, etc issued with respect to the illegalities in Survey number 308 / 1 – A of Usgao was not granted to the petitioners and only indicated that the violators and employees of the Mines Department were hand in glove with the wrong doers.
The officials have now been directed to provide information sought by the complainants within 48 hours after receiving the notice failing which they would be constrained to seek legal action in the matter.
Meanwhile it is reportedly leant that immedialty after the notice was served, there was a flurry of activity at the stone quarry and mud was being dumped to fill the pits. Locals demanded the government conduct a thorough probe and initiate strict action those guilty including if officials allegedly involved.
