HC orders probe into fake permits used for transportation of sand

PANAJI

The Bombay High Court at Goa on Monday expressed satisfaction with the measures adopted by the State government in cracking down on illegal sand mining operations in the State.

The Court, however, directed the State to conduct a detailed inquiry into the issue of alleged use of ‘fake’ permits by a truck operator for transporting or importing sand into the State.

The petitioner, Goa River Sand Protectors Network, also informed the Court that they have noted substantial progress in cracking down on illegal sand mining, and the situation is under

 control.

“The division bench of the High Court was satisfied by the measures adopted by the government to curb illegal sand mining. The Court has expressed satisfaction. Even the petitioner admitted before the Court that there is substantial progress,” Advocate General Devidas Pangam told media persons after the hearing.

He said that the Court has adjourned the hearing by two weeks, during which we have to submit an inquiry report on the alleged use of fake permits for transportation of sand into the State and on the failure to destroy the canoes seized during the illegal sand mining raid.

“We have assured the court to conduct an immediate inquiry to ascertain the authenticity of the permit, which was produced by a truck operator,” he said.

Earlier in January, the Court, which has been hearing the matter since 2018, had hinted at considering disposing of the petition if the government authorities continue to maintain the momentum.

The petitioners had informed the Court that the series of orders issued by them were being complied with and the action plan by the Chief Secretary and the Director-General of Police is being duly implemented.