PANJIM: Mines department has confiscated two sand extracting
trawlers from river Chapora at Chicalim-Camurlim in Bardez. The joint operation
was conducted by Mines, along with Captain of Ports, Mamlatdar Bardez and
Coastal Police on Saturday morning.
According to mines department the trawlers were engaged in
extracting sand form the prohibited areas by an order of National Green Tribunal.
The action was prompted due to the order of NGT banning sand extraction in
Chicalim and Camurlim area to save the Arabo island in the vicinity.
One of the local had approached NGT pleading to stop sand
extraction in the surrounding areas of Arabo to safeguard the island.
Sources informed that the workers had abandoned trawlers
after noticing the raiding teams after jumping in the river. However, the
trawlers were attached by the mines department.
Senior officer from mines department has said that strict
watch has been maintained in surrounding areas of the island to restrict sand
extractors in the vicinity.
