PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday directed the State government to enforce a comprehensive and coordinated mechanism to curb rampant illegal sand mining.
The Court also directed reconstituted taluka-level flying squads under the Deputy Collectors to act against violators.
With this, the Division Bench of Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Ashish Chavan disposed of the contempt petition filed by the Goa River Sand Protectors Network.
“The Flying Squads, which comprise of officials from different departments, are instructed to have internal Whatsapp groups for better communication and coordination and to ensure quick and coordinated response. Surprise inspections/ patrolling in the river areas shall be undertaken by the Coastal Police between 8 pm to 8 am,” reads the order with directions.
The flying squads include officials from the Revenue, Police, Captain of Ports, Mines and Geology, Transport, and Water Resources departments. The Court was also informed that their contact numbers have been made public, and internal WhatsApp groups are to be created for real-time coordination and response.
The Bench emphasised that piecemeal measures were insufficient and hence, ordered a wholesale mechanism to monitor, prevent and prosecute illegal activities.
The order also empowered the Captain of Ports to confiscate any unregistered canoes or crafts found within 100 metres of riverbanks, and prohibits their operation in inland waters. The police and transport officials will monitor sand-laden trucks between 3 am and 10 am along identified routes in North and South Goa.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam assured the court that the State would take all necessary steps to prevent illegal sand mining in all corners of Goa.
