MARGAO
Residents of Curtorim have petitioned the Director of Mines as well as the Curtorim Sarpanch on the rampant illegal sand mining in the tributary of River Zuari at Muxivaddo and Vetnem areas of the village.
In the petition, the residents pointed out that sand extraction has been done by using heavy-duty suction pumps and the sand is transported by trucks which are not only overloaded but are plying on the roads day and night, thereby disturbing the local populace.
“This activity has also increased the amount of traffic on these narrow roads, which have many residential houses and due to rash and negligent driving of these vehicles, there are chances of fatal accidents,” he added.
The residents pointed out that the activity is illegal and hence is in violation of the order of the High Court of Bombay as well as violation of section 379 of the IPC, besides provisions of the Mines Act.
The residents have demanded that the authorities conduct a surprise inspection during the wee hours given that the sand extraction and transportation activity take place mostly during the night.
They also drew the attention of the authorities that the existing bunds of the paddy fields are worn out and if timely action is not taken to stop the illegal sand extraction, the bunds might collapse and give way for the saline water to enter the paddy fields and the houses close by, thereby endangering the life of the people residing close by.
