Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: The Department of Mines and Geology have constituted Taluka-wise flying squads under Mamlatdar of respective talukas to control illegal and unauthorized excavation and quarrying in Goa following directions by the High Court of Bombay.
The flying squad shall comprise of Mamlatdar and Executive Magistrate of respective taluka, Police Inspector of concerned Police Station or any Police Officer authorized by him not below the rank of Asst. Sub-Inspector, 2 Police Constables, Official as authorized by the Directorate of Mines and Geology, Assistant Engineer or any such Officer as authorized by the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), Asst. Motor Vehicle Inspector or any such officer as authorized by the Transport Department and Directorate of Settlement and Land Records(DSLR), survey staff attached to the office of the Mamlatdar.
Complaints received by any Department/Offices pertaining to illegal quarrying shall be referred to the respective flying squads.
The flying squads shall inspect and initiate action within 48 hours of receipt of the same/intimation thereof. FIR shall be filled against the person/s found carrying illegal extraction/ transportation and the respective landowners. Action taken report shall be forwarded to the Collector and District Magistrate with copy to Director of Mines.
The machinery, equipment and vehicles used in extraction and transportation shall be sized and kept in the custody of Police Department.
The PWD shall make necessary arrangement to carry the seized machinery, vehicles and other equipment to the respective police station.
The District level 24×7 helpline set up for sand extraction complaints shall also be extended for receiving complaints of illegal quarrying. Proper records of complaints received by the help lines shall be maintained by the Collectors of the respective districts and the complaints shall be immediately communicated to the flying squad.
