By Our Special Correspondent 

Panaji (Goa) North District Magistrate today invoked Criminal Procedure Code 1973 issuing conditional order to the lease holders to continue pumping of water for drinking and irrigational purpose of the villagers.

DM has warned of criminal action against if the lease holders fail to do so.

 “If they (leaseholder) object to do so, to show within seven days of the date of the order as to why the order should not be made absolute, to appear before the undersigned on April 2 at 11.00am for the same,” the order stated.

“Failure to comply with the above directions the undersigned attracts criminal action under Section 188 of IPC,” the order added.

The iron ore mining activities in the State are placed under suspension since March 16 following Supreme Court directions.  

Mines department had last week directed lease holders to continue pumping of water from mining leases for drinking, agriculture and horticulture purpose which is required as a part of social responsibility.