The joint operation was conducted by Mines, along with Captain of Ports, Bardez Mamlatdar and Coastal Police on Saturday morning.
According to mines department, the trawlers were engaged in extracting sand form prohibited areas. 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 by jumping into 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.
