PANJIM: The State government on Thursday informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that it has issued notices to iron ore mining lease operators at Sonshi village, seeking their reply on the alleged dust pollution issue.

Last week, the High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on Sonshi village which has been adversely affected due to mining ore transportation and issued notices to the State government, Police Inspector Bicholim, medical officer and Goa Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).

The Court Thursday morning directed the government to provide potable water to the villagers and ensure that the village has proper tap water connections.

Earlier, the State government informed the Court that Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has inspected the village and based on that show cause notices have been served to mining lease holders. However, the government failed to submit the report drafted by GSPCB, which will be placed before the court at the next hearing.

The State further informed the court that transportation of ore from the village has been kept in abeyance, and lease holders have been directed to opt for alternative routes till further measures for mitigation are taken to reduce the pollution level.

The matter has been adjourned till the second week after the summer vacation. 

Earlier, the local medical officer in his affidavit before the Court said that the health condition of the children from the village is not as bad as projected by the villagers. The officer said that doctors conducted medical tests of all the children there and only one boy was found suffering from a disease, which could be due to dust pollution. Otherwise, the situation is quite under control, he said. 

The Bicholim PI in his affidavit said that the villagers were arrested to avoid a law and order situation in the village, which was likely as they had blocked the road. He further stated that all the villagers were released on April 20 on submission of personal bond of Rs 10,000, as directed by the Magistrate.  

Villagers are complaining of major dust pollution due to ore transportation and also loss of ground water. Villagers claim that the wells have dried up due to mining operations.