Team Herald
PANJIM: A day after hundreds of people were arrested for blocking iron ore transportation in Sonshi in Bicholim taluka, Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has asked the District Magistrate and police to take stern and swift action against those involved.
Mines Director Prasanna Acharya in a letter to the police and the District Magistrate on Friday said that it is imperative that in upholding the provisions of law and enforcing the directions of the Apex Court, all organs and instrumentalities of the State should work in perfect harmony.
“Any act of commission or omission done by any member of society to obstruct legal mining operations or transportation or storage thereof are not only to be acted against swiftly but also sternly, so that law and order is maintained and a message is sent across the State that such illegal acts of omission and commission shall not be tolerated in future,” Acharya said.
The Director pointed out that despite the Supreme Court allowing e-auction of ore, incidents have occurred wherein transportation of e-auctioned cargo from Pissurlem mines to Maina Jetty was stopped, which is a grave violation.
“As such, I hereby request District Magistrate and Police Administration and all concerned to act sternly and swiftly against such illegal acts of individuals so that the State Government is not found in contempt of order of Supreme Court,” he stated.
Iron ore transportation within the State is governed by MMDR Act and the Goa (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Storage and Transportation of Minerals) Rules.
