from Sanjay Borkar
for Daijiworld Media Network - Margao (GA)

Margao, Feb 8: At least 32 out of 54 identified illegal stone crusher- quarries in Salcete were sealed on Friday February 9 by south Goa district administration as High Court directed to take action against all operating without consent.

Sao Jose de Areal people had demanded the administration to close down the quarries as they create nuisance and also pollution. A few houses too were damaged as they developed cracks owing to the intensity of the blasts. 

But every time they raised their voice against it, they were sidelined by government. Following this people had filed Public Interest Litigation (PIL), after hearing which the court directed to take necessary action on those units.

High Court has come down heavily on the mining department, revenue authorities and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). The court has directed immediate inspection of all areas in the state to locate the quarries in operation and identify the persons who operate them.

As the administration started to seal the illegal quarries, the owners rushed to Chief Minister Digamber Kamat's official Bunglow at Althino Panaji. They put forth their grievances and urged him to look in the matter to stop the sealing drive. But they did not get favourable assurance from him as he expressed his helplessness saying that it was a sub-judice matter.

According to sources the drive will continue in order to seal the rest of identified quarries with the help of the police force.