MARGAO
Sarpanch of the village panchayat of Chandor Edward D’Silva has urged the government authorities to intervene and put an end to the illegal sand mining in the village.
The Sarpanch pointed out that despite complaints made to the Mamlatdar, District Collector, South, and the Captain of Ports, illegal sand mining is going on unabated in the village, posing danger to the traditional bunds.
He said the panchayat had lodged several complaints with the authorities, right from the Mamlatdar to the District Collector, but no action has been forthcoming from the authorities.
Suspecting that the authorities, from top to bottom are hand in gloves and turning a blind eye to the illegal sand mining, D’Silva said some people have sought to blame the Sarpanch when the authorities concerned have failed to initiate action.
Making a fervent plea to the villagers to come together under one banner to fight the illegal activity, the Sarpanch said it is easy to blame him, but the people should join hands to force the authorities to act on the complaints.
Apprehending that the traditional bunds may collapse because of the rampant illegal sand mining, the Sarpanch urged the departments, including the Captain of Ports, to intervene and stop the activity.
A local resident Joe Fernandes Coutinho pointed out that the authorities concerned have failed to put an end to the illegal sand mining. “Some time back, the Captain of Ports had seized four boats involved in the activity, but the vessels were release after levying fines. These same vessels were back in action after a week at the same spot to extract sand,” Jose said, as he produced before the
media a file containing a number of complaints made to the authorities on illegal sand mining.
