MAYEM (GOA): The people of Mayem fought and won the legal battle against excessive and dangerous mining transport and had to fight again, as even the wheels of justice couldn’t stop all the wheels of the mining trucks.
But they now have bigger problems to deal with.
Even as the villagers of Mayem were up in arms against the uncontrolled mining transport, the leaseholder got an environmental clearance for enhanced mining activities in the tiny village.
With narrow roads and old houses all along the roads, Mayem has been suffering due to the mining transportation activities for years. Several requests, memorandums and protests by villagers who opposed the transportation of ore through the village fell on deaf ears.
In 2020 haphazard ore logistics of high tonnage trucks started through the heart of the village. This forced the villages to approach High Court for relief which Mayem got just a week ago.
However, it is said that by the time the verdict was delivered the mining companies commenced a blitzkrieg of transportation moving 250 to 300 trucks laden with ore through the small peaceful village. Sakharam Pednekar, representative of the Mulakh Association of Mayem said, “The damage is already done. But it is surprising how all the authorities turned a blind eye to their own set rules of not permitting ore transportation through village localities.”
It may be recalled that several villagers prominently Mayemkars had filed their objections before the authorities in the public hearing that was held on August 11, 2023. Villagers say that not a single suggestion or objection has been considered.
Mining in five villages of Bicholim taluka which are Mayem, Mulgao, Lamgao, Shirgao and Bicholim is increasingly threatening the water and food security of the villages. Allowing mining activities in these villages is being called a direct contradiction of sustainability and Swayampurna goals envisioned by the State government.
Environmental activist Swapnesh Sherlekar said, “From the past, it is evident that mining has reduced the potential of these villages in Bicholim to sub-zero. Now, digging earth from hills means further damage to water resources and a consequent end to agricultural potential.”
The Goa Foundation, which has supported the cause of the locals, has already underlined that the operations have been done without any assessment of the impact mining has had on these villages in the past. It also pointed out that it is necessary to understand why an attempt is made to leave loopholes in the process even after having ample opportunities to fulfil mandatory environmental clearances.
Nilesh Karbatkar, a Mayem villager and former employee of a prominent mining company said, “This is nothing but a repeat attempt of the government to dream of restarting mining that they have been doing since 2012. Our objections and suggestions have been brushed aside and mining companies have got the process done their way.”
