PANJIM: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) on Wednesday issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Director of Mines & Geology department and the Member Secretary Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) seeking a detailed report within two weeks on the complaint in the issue of Sonshi residents who are severely affected due to uncontrolled transportation of ore from their village.
Complaint was filed by activist advocate Aires Rodrigues over the denial of fresh air and water to the residents of Sonshi-Sattari following Herald broke the story of Easter Sunday.
Rodrigues has also submitted the reports appeared in the Herald till Tuesday along with his complaint to the GHRC.
Rodrigues has pointed out that over 350 residents of Sonshi have been denied their fresh air and water for the last few months due to mining ore transportation.
He has also drawn the attention of the GHRC that the Supreme Court has held that the right to access to drinking water is fundamental to life and that there is a duty on the State under Article 21 of the Constitution to provide clean drinking water to its citizens.
Further stating that that the Supreme Court has also held that the concept of a healthy environment is part of the fundamental right to life, Rodrigues has in his complaint also stated that no business activity can violate the rights of the residents and particularly the children to a clean environment.
Herald has broke the story on Sunday of problem faced by the Sonshi villagers for past couple of months due to ore transportation.
