ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES STARTED AT SARVAN, IN BICHOLIM TALUKA

SARVAN: Situated three kilometres from Bicholim town, Sarvan is known all over Goa for the pleasing fragrance ofthe surangache valesar, a garland made from the wild flowers of Ochrocarpus longifolius. These flowers, however, could become history, say environmentalists, as allegedly illegal mining activities have started in the village.

On Wednesday, Ramesh S Gauns, an environmental activist from Pajwada-Bicholim, filed a complaint with the directorate of mines and geology, urging officials to inspect and stop the alleged illegal mining activities under way in the village.

It has been learnt that two mining leases exist in Sarvan close to the state highway passing from Bicholim to Sanquelim. While one has a lease area of 78.46ha, the other's lease area is 99.9756 ha. Both were manually operated in the past and have been shut for over a quarter of a century.

At present, however, excavators and bulldozers are seen at the site of the allegedly illegal mining activity. Gauns said, "Inquiries in the village revealed that the mining activities have been on for over a month. Hundreds of trucks carrying excavated iron ore are seen travelling, especially at night and between Fridays and Sundays."

Close to the illegal mining activities, incidentally, is a perennial water tank and a horticultural plantation which will be severely threatened if mining activities continue.

When contacted, director of mines and geology, Arvind Loliyekar, said, "We have received complaints about illegal mining operations at Sarvan. We have already taken note of the same."

Hector Fernandes, a senior geologist at the directorate, added, "Directives have been given to the officials concerned to inspect the site of the allegedly illegal mining operation. Necessary action will be taken only after an inspection report is filed." (TNN)