Mining dept orders FIR against Narvem quarrying

Panaji: Taking suo motu cognisance of the Times of India report highlighting over 30 illegal laterite stone quarries in Narvem, the directorate of mines and geology on Friday directed the Bicholim mamlatdar to file a first information report against persons involved in the illegal activities.
“I am directed to inform you (Bicholim mamlatdar) that the director of mines and geology has taken suo motu cognisance of the Times of India news item dated March 17, 2023, regarding illegal laterite extraction activity at Narvem,” deputy director Roshel Fernandes said.
“You are required to immediately activate the flying squad to inspect the area, seize the machinery being used at the site, file the FIR and submit a report,” Fernandes said.
An environmentalist, Ramesh Gawas, has demanded that the state government take immediate action against 30 laterite stone quarries that have been operating at Narvem village in the Mayem constituency over the past seven to eight months.
Gawas said that the mining department had conducted a raid on August 23, 2022, and another raid on February 17, 2023. Yet, he said, illegal mining has been going on at a frenzied pace.
Gawas said police have registered an FIR against unknown persons, giving scope for the illegal mining to continue. He alleged that a constable has been involved in this activity, and hence police are not initiating any action.
An area admeasuring 33. 44 hectares has been acquired for the mining activity, spanning 3km from Narvem to Piligao, Gawas said.
He also asked how will the mining department take action against those extracting iron ore without authorisation if they can’t crack down on the people involved in mining minor minerals illegally.