the goan I network
PERNEM
A resident of Morjim has petitioned the mines department to take steps to stop sand extraction and transportation, as it endangers locals and especially children playing in open spaces.
In his memorandum, Santosh Sawant said sand extraction has been going on unabated in the Chapora river at Morjim, Chopdem and Agarwada.
“Those who complain about this illegal sand extraction are harassed by filing bogus police complaints against them,” informed Sawant.
When contacted, Morjim Sarpanch Sangita Naik said although a resolution to demand a halt in sand extraction was passed in the Gram Sabha two months ago, authorities concerned had not acted on their resolution.
“Before sand extraction activities in the river, local fishermen would extract shellfish, but this activity has now stopped. It appears the government is more interested in sand rather than in the future of local people,”
said Naik.
Copies of Sawant’s memorandum have been forwarded to the Pernem Mamlatdar, GCZMA, Pernem police and the coastal police station.
