PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the North Goa Collector to issue a show cause notice to the Mamlatdar of Bicholim, seeking an explanation regarding the delay in taking action on a report concerning illegal sand extraction in the Valvanti River at Virdi.
During the hearing of a petition related to illegal sand mining on Thursday, the Bench observed that an inspection into the alleged illegal activity at Virdi was to be conducted. The Sanquelim Talathi had already submitted a report to the Bicholim Mamlatdar, but no action was taken on it. In light of this, the Court directed the North Goa Collector to issue a show cause notice to the Mamlatdar as well as initiate an inquiry.
The report, the Court further said, has to be submitted by the next hearing date on April 29.
Meanwhile, the Court noted that the government has been proactively taking action in other areas where the alleged illegal sand extraction and transportation is reported. Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the Court that prompt measures are being taken including raids, arrests and the confiscation of canoes, trucks and illegally extracted sand.
