Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The North Goa Collectorate has set up taluka-level flying squads to monitor and prevent illegal sand mining in the district. Each squad, comprising Deputy Collectors, Mamlatdars, and Talathis, has been tasked with taking immediate action against unlawful sand extraction.
District Collector Ankit Yadav urged citizens to report any instances of illegal sand mining directly to the officers via phone or WhatsApp, preferably with photographic evidence.
The move comes in response to directives from the Bombay High Court at Goa, which instructed authorities to actively protect the state’s resources rather than merely complying with court orders. The court emphasized that illegal extraction, sale, or export of sand adversely affects Goa’s interests.
Environmental groups, including the Goa River Sand Protectors Network, have previously highlighted continued illegal mining in areas such as Mayem, Maina-Curtorim, and Bicholim, despite court restrictions. The newly formed flying squads are expected to strengthen enforcement efforts and safeguard the state’s natural resources.
