CANACONA: The residents of Cola panchayat’s Paryemol area have raised concerns as illegal laterite mining is reportedly in full swing in the remote village. Local residents are uncertain about the legality of several quarries, and are calling for government intervention to address the unauthorised mining operations.
“There are private lands at Paryemol which is a hilly region but with a plain surface. This makes mining laterite stones very convenient. The Department of Mines receives huge revenue from laterite mines but the illegal mines also cause huge losses. The government should survey such unauthorised mines,” said Kushali Velip, a local.
A recent instance involved an illegal laterite mine operating in Aasali, within the jurisdiction of the Shreesthal panchayat. The mining activity faced objections from the committee of the Shri Mallikarjun temple. Additionally, laterite mining at Fulamoll in Gaodongri was also halted recently.
While many laterite quarries in Canacona were operational in the past, changing times have led to the abandonment of most quarries. However, the Cola panchayat area is still witnessing active laterite quarries. The dust generated by these mining operations is reportedly affecting cashew production in the region.
“The dust from these mines is affecting cashew production. Increasing demand for laterite stones due to rising construction projects in the state has led to a surge in illegal mining activities in Paryemol,” said Umesh Gaonkar from Barshe.
Punaji Gaonkar, a senior citizen from Shreesthal, urged the mining department to monitor and regulate these sites, particularly to ensure the safety of local children.
