PONDA: After illegal hill-cutting complaints, now there are complaints of illegal extraction of sand at Jaidwadda, Khandola, some 21 kms from Ponda.

Around 23 villagers of Jaidwadda, Khandola complained to the office of the deputy collector, Ponda on Monday, that even though the panchayat has issued a stop work order, the alleged illegal activities continue unabated.

They said in the complaint, "Some unknown persons is involved in the business of illegal extraction of sand from the creek of Mandovi, beneath the Khandola-Amona bridge, which poses danger to the pillars of the bridge."

They informed that in February they lodged a complaint with the Betki-Khandola panchayat, and that the panchayat had issued stop work notice. They said that since the work did not stop, they were compelled to write to the deputy collector, hoping for action.

They also alleged that the labourers engaged in this work are non-Goans, who get into confrontations with the locals when questioned.

Requesting the deputy collector for immediate action, the locals threatened an agitation if no action was forthcoming from the authorities.