Team Herald
CHAPORA: Three trucks involved in illegal sand mining were seized in a joint raid conducted at Camurlim near the ferry wharf in Chapora River early morning on Friday. However, no arrests have been made in the said matter.
The raid was carried out by the Mamlatdar of Bardez taluka, Laxmikant Kuttikar, and in-charge of flying squad, Sudhir Mandrekar; Assistant Geologist, Snehal Sangelkar, Head surveyor attached to the office of the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG), Vivek Korgaokar, Talathi of Camurlim Saza and police personnel from Mapusa.
During the course of raid, the team intercepted three tipper trucks bearing registration number, GA-07-F-1298, GA-03-K-6278 and GA-03-K-7404 which were in the process of loading the sand from the river. The said tipper trucks were loaded with 2m3, 3m3 and 4m3 respectively. Further all the three tipper trucks were detained from contravening Rule 3 and 38 of the Goa Minor Mineral Concession Rules Act 1985.
The Mamlatdar of Bardez taluka told Herald that they carried out a surprise raid of illegal extraction of sand along with the Mines Department and seized three trucks.
“The raid was carried out at 5.30 am. The mining department has taken custody of the trucks that have been seized in the raid. After which they have made a letter to the Mapusa PI to take custody of the trucks which will be released after the court order,” said Kuttikar.
Sources reveal that illegal sand extraction is rampant in Chapora River and indiscriminate exploitation of river-based resources leads to environmental hazards.
