SATURDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2026

Illegal dredging: HC seeks police probe status in sealed cover

the goan I network

PANAJI

The Bombay High Court at Goa has asked the Goa Police to file, in a sealed cover, the status of the investigation into the case of illegal dredging of the Zambaulim river and Ragada river in South Goa.   

The High Court which took suo motu cognizance of the illegal dredging, also sought a detailed report on the matter by the Advocate General.   

“We would like the Investigating Officer to file a status report in sealed cover as to the progress of investigation within two weeks from today. The investigating officer to indicate the steps taken in relation to the stone crusher and washing plant. Such report to be filed in sealed cover within two weeks from today,” the High Court bench of justices MS Sonak and Nutan Sardesai said.   

Newspapers reported unauthorized dredging at the Zambaulim river and different sites and thereafter the Ragada river for the purpose of dredging.   

The High Court noted that these persons -- Govind Gaonkar a ZP member and Dinanath Gaonkar, a panch member of the village panchayat of Sacordem extracted pebbles, rocks, stones and boulders illegally from these rivers and transported them to Borcottem, Mollem. Govind Gaonkar (ZP member) is alleged to have set up an illegal crusher and washing 

al into stand.   
“It is alleged that more than 5000 trip loads of pebbles mixed with sand were transported and are stored and crushed at the site. It is further alleged that at the site, machines like wheel loaders and JCB are used to extract pebbles. There is also reference to at least 10 trucks for removing and transportation of material from the river bed,” the High Court noted.   
The villagers, who have filed an intervention application, have alleged that the police were initially hesitant to act against the extractors because they held positions in local bodies.   
A case was finally filed after a complaint was registered by the officials of the Mines Department.  

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Published Sep 4, 2019, 2:38 AM IST
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