Panaji: Various anti-sand mining organizations and activists have joined hands together under a common banner ‘Goa River Sand Protectors Network’ to monitor illegal sand mining activities in the State.
The Network has decided to ensure that High Court order issuing several directions to government to control sand mining activities, is implemented thoroughly.
“The present Network has been set up to ensure that the judgment is implemented in toto. We will henceforth closely monitor sand extraction activities taking place in the State and ensure that regular documented complaints are filed with the relevant authorities and high court,” they said in a press statement issued.
The Network states that sand in the river is the property of the citizens of Goa and that the current sand mining activities are illegal and therefore amounts to the theft of public property.
Along with ensuring FIRs are filed, Network will also pursue recovery of the value of all sand extracted illegally from the rivers.
