Team Herald
CUNCOLIM: The concerned citizens of Quepem, Curchorem and Sanguem on Wednesday confronted Quepem Deputy Collector Prashant Shirodkar for what the alleged as “the rampant, negligent, uncontrolled and unmonitored mining transportation” in their respective areas.
The citizens highlighted the gross violation of Goa (Prevention of illegal mining, storage and transportation of minerals) Rules, 2013 by the mining companies. Senior citizen Olinda Lopes questioned the deputy collector as to why he has allowed such rampant and negligent transportation of mining ore, putting civilians’ lives at risk.
Pradeep Kakodkar (of Mission Bypass) brought to the notice of the deputy collector that MoEF has issued an office memorandum restricting mining transportation on village roads. He further informed him that as per the OM, the mining companies should take utmost care not to disturb biological clock of the villagers and should construct a separate mining bypass leaving a gap of at least 200 m from the village to arrest accidents, noise and dust pollution.
Uttam Velip, a villager from Caurem, informed the deputy collector that he and his daughter would have been crushed under the tyres of mining truck today morning. They have to rely on the water supplied by PWD through the water tankers. The dust settles in the drums which are kept at the roadside to collect water due to heavy mining transportation.
James Fernandes reminded the deputy collector that Mission Bypass forum has asked his office to take steps to arrest the accidents caused due to mining transportation by regulating the mining transport and that the roads do not have carrying capacity to ply mining trucks in such a large number.
