Pernem, May 27: Shockwaves have hit Tuem-Pernem after Pernem Mamlatdar Ranjit Salgaonkar issued warrant of distraint notices warning landowners of attachment of houses and private vehicles. The move follows revenue recovery certificates from the Directorate of Mines and Geology in connection with alleged illegal laterite quarrying, with penalties running into lakhs of rupees.

Because the lands are jointly owned, notices have been served to all stakeholders, sparking widespread resentment. Villagers point out that laterite quarrying has long been a traditional livelihood in Tuem. Despite submitting proposals for legal permits, approvals were never granted, leaving families vulnerable.

Locals allege that the booming demand for laterite stones and sand has fuelled rampant illegal quarrying across Goa, backed by a nexus of businessmen and officials from Revenue, Transport, Police, and Mines departments. They claim crores of rupees change hands in these operations.

Residents argue that instead of targeting the actual operators and complicit officials, authorities are penalizing landowners. They also question why Talathi are directly serving notices, when their role is to report such activities to the Mamlatdar during operations.

Despite repeated complaints to authorities, villagers say no action was taken earlier. Now, however, recovery proceedings and attachment notices are being aggressively pursued against private property owners.

Adding fuel to the fire, locals highlight alleged illegal quarrying on government land in Tuye. They demand to know whether recovery will also be initiated against officials responsible for activities on state-owned land.

Calling the episode unjust and harassment of locals, villagers have escalated the matter to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.