look news india
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed the state government to immediately deal with the issue of illegal sand mining around Julie Island near Vaitarna Bay in Palghar district.
In a recent order, the court directed the state revenue minister to provide dedicated patrolling equipment, including speed boats and towing boats, within three months. These resources are needed to take action against illegal sand mining following a recent proposal by the Palghar collector. The order was passed on a PIL filed by a voluntary organisation. It said the environment of Julie Island is deteriorating and the railway bridge is at risk of being damaged. The steps taken despite several court orders are inadequate.
The court expressed the need for immediate action on the issue and the need to install tetrapods. It has been directed that the government should submit a scientific report on the matter by the next hearing. If the report is not submitted, the court will order the installation of tetra pods to deal with the risk of sand mining. The court has made it mandatory for Western Railway to submit an internal security audit report for the purpose of review against the assurance of auditing every three years. Instead of five years.
Police boats have been relied upon despite the court's order for drones and watch towers, terming the existing patrolling measures as inadequate. The court reiterated that illegal activity should be monitored through satellite imaging and the responsibility should be placed on senior officials of the department. The police have also been directed not to release seized vehicles and report suspicious activity to specific police stations. FIRs should be registered against those who damage CCTV cameras. The court has fixed the hearing on June 28, asking for a report on compliance of the order.
