Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: In order to prevent attempts to falsify documentation for illegal operations, the Bombay High Court in Goa has ordered the Directorate of Mines & Geology Department to keep a record of the transit passes granted to operators for the transportation of sand. The court has also mandated that the records be uploaded on the department’s website.
The Division Bench of Justices M. S. Sonak and Valmiki Menezes closed the contempt plea against the authorities, praising them for their efforts to stop illicit sand mining, which might be a win for the State. Along with the thanks was a comment that the State had taken action to stop these acts, albeit belatedly and after several reminders.
We must record our appreciation for the prompt response from the Director and the measures proposed. At the same time, we must add that all these measures must be strictly enforced. Similarly, we also direct the DMG Director to upload the transit passes to the website once they are issued to the trucks/transporters. This will again assist in detecting unauthorized sand mining and its transportation in the State,” reads the 10-page order.
Goa Rivers Sand Protectors Network, the petitioner, had noted that sand being imported into Goa from neighboring States via transit passes or royalty payment challans that the latter had given. They also recommended, throughout the hearing, that these documents be verified at the border/checkpost, with recordings kept.
In response, the Bench ordered that keeping a register—either digitally or physically—will help to ensure that there isn’t any unauthorized sand transportation or mining in Goa.
“Once again, after considering the affidavits filed in this matter from time to time, we are satisfied that action is being initiated to prevent illegal sand mining in the State.
Accordingly, at least for the present, we cannot say that there is any deliberate violation of the directions issued by this Court…” the Bench observed further directing that such measures, including the Police helpline which has been established, must continue.
“The record of this Contempt Petition would show that the State authorities, though belatedly and after repeated prodding, have been taking steps to prevent illegal sand mining. Various affidavits have been filed indicating the steps taken from time to time.
Despite all this, there were some instances of illegal sand mining,” it said