Team Herald
VALPOI: The Goa State Pollution Control Board has clamped down on 12 mining units from Sonshi village. The GSPCB has not cleared the consent to operate to these units and has asked mining companies to take immediate measures to curb air pollution. On Friday, the board will have another meeting to discuss consent to operate of mining leases.
From Thursday morning, in order to control dust pollution at Sonshi village, mining companies have started hot mixing and widening of roads, repairs of potholes and installation of poles on both sides of village road to put geo net fencing.
Sonshi villagers said hot-mixing and widening of roads and geo-net fencing will not control dust pollution. Whatever work is going on in our village, is an eyewash and high drama conducted by the mining companies. “Geo-net fencing will not stop dust pollution in village. Mining companies have not fulfilled our main demands. They have told us that they will supply clean water and will provide a doctor. But till now nothing has happened,” says Mahesh Sonu Gawade a villager.
The Chief Minister had promised us that all our demands would be fulfilled and he would take stock of it. “It is because of him (CM), we (all the 45 villagers) were bailed out. And now we are feel that fooled us. Mining companies have not fulfilled our demands. So will hit the streets again,” said Santosh R. Gawade, a villager, who was in judicial custody at Colvale jail.
“Mining companies have not done any settlement on our main demands like clean drinking water, health facility and employment. We will take to the streets soon,” said Santosh B. Gawade a villager, who was in judicial custody for 12 days.
