TUESDAY, MAY 07, 2024
Team Herald
QUEPEM: Despite repeated calls to stop the mining activity, which is not adhering to the rules of State-imposed curfew, a heavy movement of iron ore laden trucks were seen plying in Sanvordem, on Friday.
Although, the activity was stopped early morning at 8 by local panch member Nitesh Bhandari and the locals at Sanvordem Tisk, it resumed two hours later after the interference of Curchorem Police.
Upak Naik, a Sanvordem local, informed that the villagers stopped the ore transportation as it was a public holiday (Eid-ul-Fitr). Besides, a COVID vaccination drive was also carried out at the Government Primary School, Sanvordem, from 8 am to 4 pm.
“These mining firms are not adhering to the rules of State-imposed curfew. Besides, they are also risking the life of people as the State’s health machinery is deteriorating due to the killer virus. However, above all, these ore transportation operators are not leaving a single day including the holiday thereby allowing the iron ore transportation activity in full swing,” stated local panch Bhandari.
Further, he added that this is against the government guidelines and protocol for which the common man is suffering.
“Instead of stopping the iron ore transportation activity, Curchorem Police Inspector Ravi Desai called me to the police station and asked to allow the iron ore transportation as it is an unlawful act,” Bhandari informed.
“The PI further assured to stop transportation of iron ore for the day. But even after the assurance the activity started after around two hours under police protection,” he added.
“In spite of informing about the vaccination drive in the village, the mining companies refused to stop the activity,” said Sanvordem Panchayat Sarpanch Sandip Pauskar.
“However, in a telephonic conversation between Panch Bhandari and PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar over the issue, the local MLA assured that the iron ore transportation activity will be stopped on Saturday as the vaccination drive will continue,” said panch Nilesh Naik.
PI Ravi informed that special arrangements have been made by the police and traffic cell at the vaccination centre for the safety and security of the locals.
