Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 16: The High Court of Bombay at Goa came down heavily on the State government and police over their inaction in curbing illegal sand mining, directing authorities to devise a swift mechanism for prompt police response to reports of such activities.

The direction came on Tuesday during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by the Goa River Sand Protectors Network.

Expressing strong displeasure, the Court asked the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure that action is taken against police officials who fail to act on reports of illegal sand extraction.

The Court was informed that in April, the Terekhol Coastal Police failed to take timely action despite receiving a formal intimation from the Pernem Mamlatdar regarding illegal sand activities.

Advocate General Devidas Pangam told the media that the DGP has now been tasked with initiating disciplinary action against erring officers in such cases.

“The Court has asked the State to propose a clear mechanism to ensure prompt police or departmental response following complaints of illegal sand mining. We will file our response during the next hearing, scheduled in two weeks,” Pangam said.

Earlier in April, the High Court had directed the North Goa Collector to issue a show cause notice to the Bicholim Mamlatdar over delays in acting on a similar complaint. The Mamlatdar was later cleared after the Collector’s report blamed the circle officer for the delay.

The case is part of a second contempt petition filed by the Goa River Sand Protectors Network, highlighting continued administrative lapses in tackling rampant illegal sand extraction in the state.