PANJIM, April 26 -- The High Court on Thursday, in a 2019 PIL matter, directed the Goa Chief Secretary to hold an inquiry into how large-scale unauthorised activity of mining sand, gravel and pebbles from Ragada river was carried out when protected by forest and wildlife legislation and to initiate disciplinary proceedings against officials involved, within next four months.

The Court has asked the Chief Secretary to carry out an inquiry as to how such large-scale illegalities were possible at a location protected by forest and wildlife legislations without the knowledge of the Directorate of Mines and Geology, Police, Forest and Revenue officials.

The Chief Secretary has also been directed to fix responsibility on designated officials ...