BICHOLIM: Even as the mining has come to a grinding halt, environmentalists from Bicholim have sounded warning bells of a possible disaster if the authorities turn nelson’s eye to the open pits of mining.

Environmentalist Ramesh Gawas said that during last few months, mining was going on in full swing and if the pits are not monitored then during rainy season Bicholim might face a serious problem.

He warned that mining pits could break and flood the villages in their vicinity. First major incident had occurred at Walshi wherein four persons were killed, six injured and 144 farmers were affected. The second incident occurred in Mulgao when a mining pit gave way and mining sludge inundated Mulgao village.

In another incident at Pazwada-Bicholim, mining sludge had entered the houses. “There was haphazard mining excavation and all these mines are about 60-70 mts on top while Bicholim is on the foot of these hills. If any of the mining pits gives way during monsoon, there would be a major tragedy,” Gawas warned.

Gawas has submitted a letter to the deputy collector urging him to inspect the mines.