SATARI YOUTH DELEGATION SUBMIT REPRESENTATIONS TO PROF MADHAV GADGIL AT KERI PONDA

VALPOI: Satari taluka in terms of environment is a sensitive zone and it falls under the Western Ghats which makes it more eco-sensitive.

Presently some parts of taluka is under the gloom of mining activities and state government is in mood of giving green signal to new mines and also in hurry to allow renewal of old mining leases in the regions of Satari.

Taking into this account and to preserve and save the environment of Satari, a delegation of youths from Satari including Adv Shivaji Desai, Mr Ranjit Rane, Mr Vishwesh Prabhu, Mr Vishant Kasar, Mr Raghu Gaonker, Mr Manohar Vaze and Mr Milind Gadgil submitted representations to Prof Madhav Gadgil, chairman of the ecology expert panel on Western Ghats appointed by the ministry of Environment.

Prof Madhav Gadgil, chairman of the ecology expert panel on Western Ghats is presently on his ongoing visit to Goa. The objectives of the ecology expert panel is to demarcate areas which need to be notified as ecologically sensitive so that they can be declared either no-go zones or restricted development zones. On his tour to Goa he will be studying various aspects of this region.

While submitting representations Adv Shivaji Desai raise some of the important issues related to Nagargao mining lease. He alleged that the mining lobby had misguided the central government by presenting fake environmental report to seek permission. He also noted that state mining and environmental department had not yet updated their websites. He further urged that NOC from Agriculture department must be made mandatory for establishing mining in India.

Mr Ranjeet Rane, highlighted the importance of green forest and explains the consequences of mining on Madei River and Dabos water treatment plant located in this region. Mr Vishwesh Prabhu also disclosed operation of illegal mining activities in Satari and trucks are carrying the ore speed on the road without any restriction and added that the concern authority is negligent and turning blind in this matter.

Mr Raghu Gaonker presented and briefed out the ill effect of mining on Madei wildlife sanctuary and informed that strong mining lobby are preparing their mind to set up mining in this eco-sensitive zone. Further he also noted that in Madei wildlife sanctuary is a habitat of ecologically and environmentally essential species and if mining activities started then their habitat will be affected more.

Prof Madhav Gadgil, patiently noted the issues presented by the delegation and assured them that these points which is raised by the local delegation will be included in his report.