Team Herald
Panjim: The extractors and transporters of minor minerals on Monday met Minister for Agriculture Vijai Sardesai alleging harassment by Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) and demanded relaxation with regards the installation of the Global Positioning System (GPS).
A delegation of laterite and sand extractors led by Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar met Sardesai for seeking government intervention into the harassment meted out to them by DMG by imposing fines for illegal transportation. The transporters claimed they undertake transportation of only legal material.
DMG director Prasanna Acharya, who was present for the meeting said the vehicles detained by the department, possess illegal material, evades royalty payment and are not fitted with GPS, which is mandatory.
DMG has decided to impose fine of Rs 1 lakh on the vehicles who fail to register them with the department for transportation of minor minerals by installing GPS. The department had clarified that transportation of minerals without registration and GPS would be termed as illegal, irrespective of necessary permits and other documents.
The transporters demanded they be given relaxation from installation of GPS, which is costlier equipment. Sardesai has assured the extractors and transporters to look into the matter within legal framework.
