Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Feb 6: In view of repeated incidents involving loss of life and serious injuries at abandoned and disused quarry sites, the North Goa District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued a comprehensive administrative order mandating strict safety measures at all such locations across the district.
The order, issued by North Goa Collector and District Magistrate Ankit Yadav, IAS, stated that unfenced and unsecured abandoned quarries pose a grave and continuing threat to human life, livestock and public safety. The risk is particularly high during the monsoon season due to water accumulation, slippery terrain and poor visibility. Unrestricted public access to these sites has been categorised as a preventable disaster risk under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
As per the directions, all owners, occupiers, lessees, firms and individuals having ownership, possession or control over abandoned or non-operational quarries in North Goa have been instructed to erect durable barbed-wire fencing or equivalent physical barriers along the entire boundary to prevent unauthorised entry. They must also install prominent, weather-resistant warning boards at all access points and at regular intervals, displaying messages such as “Danger – Abandoned Quarry”, “Entry Prohibited” and “Risk of Serious Injury/Death”.
The order further mandates that the fencing and warning signage be maintained in good and effective condition at all times. All safety measures must be completed within 30 days from the date of issuance of the order.
Concerned owners and occupiers have been directed to submit a compliance report to the Collector’s office within the stipulated period. The report must include self-certification of compliance, site photographs before and after implementation, and detailed location information of the quarry.
Mamlatdars, through Talathis and other field staff, have been instructed to serve the order on all concerned parties, conduct physical inspections of abandoned quarries within their respective jurisdictions and verify compliance using geo-tagged photographs. Each Mamlatdar is required to submit a consolidated compliance and inspection report within 45 days from the date of the order.
The DDMA has warned that non-compliance, partial compliance or submission of false reports will invite penal action under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, including fines and imprisonment. In cases of default, the district administration may carry out the required safety measures departmentally and recover the cost as arrears of land revenue from the defaulters without further notice.
The order also cautions that failure by field officers to serve the order, conduct inspections or report non-compliance will be viewed seriously and may attract administrative action. The directive has come into force with immediate effect.