PANAJI
Pulling up the State government and the police over inaction in curbing illegal sand mining, the High Court of Bombay in Goa has directed the State to work out a mechanism wherein police can promptly take action on the report of illegal sand activities.
While hearing a contempt petition filed by the Goa River Sand Protectors Network, the Court on Tuesday also directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure action is initiated against such police officers.
The Court expressed its displeasure over the police’s inaction in curbing illegal sand extraction.
It was brought to the notice of the Court that in April, the Terekhol Coastal Police failed to take appropriate action despite receiving a written intimation from the Pernem Mamlatdar.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam said the Court has asked DGP to ensure that suitable action is taken against the officer in charge of the concerned police station, if inaction against illegal sand extraction continues.
Pangam said that the Court has sought to know from the State the mechanism or methodology it would like to adopt to ensure prompt action by police or other authorities following a complaint.
“We have to submit our say during the next hearing, scheduled after two weeks,” Pangam said.
In April, the HC had directed the North Goa collector to issue a show cause notice to the Bicholim mamlatdar, seeking an explanation for the delayed action on a report of illegal sand extraction. The Mamlatdar was however given a clean chit after the Collector, in its report, pointed out that the delay was on part of the circle officer.
The Court is currently hearing a second contempt petition filed by Goa River Sand Protectors Network.
