In recent times we read about a spate of raids at sites where illegal mining/quarrying of laterite materials (blocks and soil) takes place. As a routine, some workers are caught and after a warning or after obtaining bail they are left off. We are not aware if the owners of the quarries are ever penalised or the quarry sealed. As per the orders of the High Court illegally mined sands are dumped back into the rivers from where these were dredged. What happens to the seized laterite materials? Since these cannot be ‘replaced’ back in the quarry, hopefully the Goa government can either use or auction the ‘laterite materials.
