The village is back in the news after 12 years as Cavrem locals have openly opposed the mining in the village. The locals have set a precedent on how to fight to protect nature and keep the unity while doing the same.
Out of 15 springs in the village, water from 10 springs is primarily used for irrigation and drinking. ‘Paaykachi Jhar’ is the most important spring, which has fed generations. The natural water supply system from ‘Purush Jhar’, ‘Talyepat Jhar’, ‘Bhulmechi Jhar’, ‘Khutechi Jhar’, ‘Mestan Jhar’, ‘Gavkaaran Jhar’, ‘Vaansan Jhar’ and ‘Gaalachi Jhar’ will put the artificial system of supplying water to shame. However, the locals fear that ‘Vaansan Jhar’ and ‘Gaalachi Jhar’ will cease to exist due to mining and they have firmly opposed mining operations in the village.
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Many have expressed the need for Goa to be preserved for future generations as well to grant special status to the State.
Cavrem locals have shown the courage to bring it all into reality. They had knocked the doors of the court even and have been successful in keeping the pressure on. The Goa State Pollution Control Board cancelled the public hearing, which was scheduled on April 11, regarding the proposed mine in Cavrem village’s Zambli Dagda hill. The village, which earlier protested for locals to be included in the mineral transportation, is now entirely opposed to having a mine in the region. This change in the mindset of locals is remarkable and cannot be neglected.
Those who feel that mines are beneficial for the citizens, it would be ideal for them to study Cavrem and then form their opinions. Except for mines, there is no such thing as popular in the village. Small houses of Velip and Gauda communities scattered in clustered manner, thick forest surrounding these homes, orchards of coconuts and areca nuts which add to the beauty of the village and paddy fields spread far and wide; the village of Cavrem in Quepem taluka is truly blessed by nature.
Rich forest, ample water sources and fertile land in the village had come under threat of mining a while back. Cavrem is the only village in the State which entirely relies on spring water right from drinking to irrigation of fields and orchards. The population of the village stands at around 2,000 and the most land is under cultivation. Hence, farming is the prime occupation here.
The springs with crystal clear water is considered as the treasure of the village, but the mining business had marred it. Unmonitored mining and deforestation are damaging the origin of these springs. Extreme excavation has damaged the groundwater level, which has also impacted the water of the springs. The locals led by Nilesh Gaonkar, convener of Cavrem Adivasi Bachao Samiti, had also ensued to fight against water pollution and until then no one had paid attention to their movement.
On March 1, 2011, hundreds of Cavrem locals then finally reached Panjim. Accusing GSPCB of granting licence to the mine despite not having all the required documents, they had a simple demand; to shut down the respective mine. They waited outside the cabin of the Board’s chairman until the Board revoked the licence at around 6:30 pm. They still protested till late night demanding that the Mines Department ban the mine. The then Director of Mines Arvind Lolayekar had to then ultimately pass the order banning the mine in the region. The reason to recall these past incidents is the resumption of protests by Cavrem villagers.
They have demanded that the locals be taken into confidence with regards to the mining operations. The mine in Cavrem did not have permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forests which favoured villagers’ protest. As per the locals, mining operations were still going on for two months despite the department’s order in December 2010.
They also alleged that mineral goods were being carried in police security while criminal charges were levied against those who try to stop the transport.
The locals had openly challenged the Mines Department to accompany them to the mining site where operations were underway on March 1, 2011. Of course, none of the officials could take on the challenge. Cavrem locals have experienced it firsthand that mining can be carried with oppressive ways and hence, they are not ready to trust the government anymore. The statements of Cavrem villagers are valid and the Government must learn its lessons regarding precautions to be taken before resuming mining.
