Plaint filed against six mining firms for polluting Selaulim dam
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Villagers from Colomba has filed a police complaint against six mining companies, which include the names of some big mining firms, for polluting the Selaulim Dam, endangering public health and have demanded criminal action against the mine owners.
The complaint, has been filed under section 277of IPC, before the Quepem police station.
The six mining firms named in the complaint are - Curpem Iron ore TC No 3/51 and Sem Denominacao Expecial mine under TC No 40/54 belonging to V S Dempo and presently operated by Vendanta, Oikrio Dirodgal Curdi iron mine of Noor M A Karim under TC No 43/53 presently operated by Rajesh Timblo, Polo Dongor Iron ore Mine of late Amalia R G Figueredo situated at Curpem under No 65/51 presently operated by Imrain Khan, Polo Dongor iron ore mine of Xec Abdul Gofur under T C No 53/51 presently operated by legal heirs of Xec Abdul Gofur, Osni Dongor Iron ore Mine which belongs to S Khantilal and Cia Ltd under T C No60/52 presently operated by Salgaocar brothers, Gulcon Dogor Iron ore mine belongs Hiralal Khodidas under T C No 06/46 and presently operated by Fomento Resources.
The complainant has stated that all the above mines are operational in the catchment areas of Selaulim irrigation since last couple of years. As such, during the monsoon season, the muddy water from these mines or from the rejection dump of these mines directly flow into the Salaulim Irrigation projection thereby polluting the water which is being supplied for drinking for most part of South Goa
“Due to flow/release of the muddy water from these mines or from the rejection dumps into the Selaulim dam, it increases the manganese content in the Selaulim water,” the complaint, forwarded to State Home ministry, reads.
The complainants have stated that these mining companies are intentionally by their act of omission and commissions are polluting the water of Salaulim Irrigation project so as to affect the health of the people.