PANJIM: The Goa State Pollution Control Board has ordered sealing of a mine in a village near here after a protest by local tribals demanding a halt to the mining activity in the locality, officials said on Wednesday. The pollution control board late last night ordered the shutdown of the mine belonging to Devadongor Iron and Manganese Private Limited at Caurem village in South Goa as they failed to comply with the air and water pollution norms, said officials.
The order came after a day-long agitation by 150 tribals under the banner of Caurem Adivasi Bachao Samiti in front of the GSPCB office. The group also met Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and held demonstrations in front of the State Mines and Geology Department office.
The tribals were irked after the mining lease, which was dormant all these years, was revived some months back allegedly defying all norms. The tribals raised fears that the mining activity would destroy a mountain considered sacred to them and which is also a perennial source of water.
"We don't even pluck a leaf from that mountain. How can we allow a mining firm to swallow it entirely?" asked a 67-year-old woman, who was the part of the group.
The protesters refused to budge till late evening even as government officials assured them that an appropriate action would be taken by Wednesday. Finally bowing to the pressure, GSPCB issued an order asking the local police inspector to seal the mine.
Subsequently, Mines Director Arvind Lolienkar also signed an order asking the mine owner to halt mining operations in the locality immediately and remove all machinery by 5 PM today. Goa has been witnessing protests in rural areas due to incessant mining activity, spurring demand for ore in European countries and in China.
The state exports around 40 million metric tones of ore annually from its ports. Environmentalists have raised concerns on the increasing mining in the state, which has 100-odd working leases and an equal number of mine sites operating illegally.
A Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) report had pointed out that between 2003-05 one crore tonnes of iron ore was exported illegally without royalty being paid. – PTI
I salute you the bold and daring people of Caurem for your guts for protesting infront of GSPCB and holding demonstration at DIGANDU KAMAT's residence and warning him that the next time they take the law in their hands. The corrupt congress government is hell bent in destroying Goa for their own benefit,and the government is not bother any problem facing Goans.
ReplyDeleteThe Goans should warn the government that they do not want the National Highways by destroying the Goans houses and business premises. The government is not ready to axe any mega houses for the non-Goans and build the highways. If the government destroys the Goans houses or structures the people should come on the street and chase DIGANDU KAMAT AND CHORCHILL , the SENSELESS PIG OF VARCA out from Goa. I know the days of our corrupt politicians numbered.
This report has made my day,may be it is the long ignored original inhabitants of goa who may show us educated fools the way.
ReplyDeleteYes Justine you have said it all, unless Gaons come out in force these ministers will not stop destroying Goa with these mega projects that will house Non-Goans.
ReplyDelete.
ReplyDeleteWell done you brave tribal people Caurem, you being poor have taken a brave decision to shut the mine down. You would not touch a leaf in fear of destroying the mountain. Yet we have educated persons follow the illiterate Politicians to destroy Goa. We Goans should join these tribal people in fighting to preserve what is left over after the destruction by our corrupt politicians..
If a 67 year old woman can be part of a group ready to fight to preserve Goa, what are your young and energetic Goans doing? Bars, Taverns and village corners are where they like to be while Goa is slipping under their feet. Many of these young Goans have become corrupt politicians crumb eaters carrying out their master’s errands, doing so they are part of the politicians destruction team.
ReplyDeleteThe time is ripe to join hand and Fight for Goa’s survival.
The destruction of Goa goes on unchallenged, if one does so they are bullied by the goondas of politicians. Men are beaten and women threatened with rape. Yet here we have a tribe of 150 poor stood up to the destructors of Goa. If 150 poor people can do it, then we the educated people can stand up against the corrupt ministers. It is a shame the mainly educated people of Navelim elect illiterate criminal PIG of Varca to represent us.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the daring people of Caurem for their boldness to confront of the authorities. However, I fail to understand why the Government authorities like the GPSCB, Department of Mines as also others like Police, Collectors, Mamlatdars, Transport Dept. etc. have to wait for a complaint from members of the public in order to initiate action against any irregularity. The Courts take suo motu cognizance of newsitems in the print and electronic media and initiate action if it is in public interest. It is said that 57 out of 91 mines in Goa are working without the consent of the GSPCB, which means that 60% of the mines in Goa are illegal. What action has the GSPCB or the Department of Mines taken against illegal mines? None, as one can see. Don't they have the powers to take action against illegalities. Or is it that they don't have the guts?
ReplyDeleteIllegally mining has resulted in the increase of mining trucks in south Goa. Politicians have not only revived old portuguese mines illegally but have also provided trucks and loans to some people that is why you find a lot mining trucks especially on the rivona sanvordem belt where the trucks are lined up from sanvordem to alnost tilamol blocking traffic on oneside. these mines must be shut down and i hope like the people of Caurem others will follow suit.
ReplyDelete