Team Herald
PANJIM: Residents of the Quepem, Curchorem and Sanguem mining belts on Wednesday gheraoed the heads of Directorate of Mines (DMG) and Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) over the rampant, negligent, uncontrolled and non-monitored iron ore transportation in those areas.
The citizens highlighted the violation of Goa (Prevention of illegal mining, storage and transportation of minerals) Rules, 2013 by mining companies and questioned the blatant silence of DMG and GSPCB over violations, despite the Supreme Court order directing the authorities to have strict vigil and take action against offenders.
While the GSPCB team comprising a geologist immediately went for an inspection in the mining areas, Mines Director Prasanna Acharya tried to pacify the villagers claiming there is no violation.
The villagers are contemplating filing a criminal case against the DMG director for allowing illegalities to mushroom and for being hand-in-glove with mining firms.
Speaking to Herald after the meetings, Quepem resident and anti-mining crusader Ravindra Velip said mining firms are involved in gross violation of mining transportation rules and norms set under Consent to Operate by GSPCB.
“There is complete misinterpretation of Supreme Court judgment by the authorities to benefit the mining companies. The State government agencies have allowed mining companies to violate all laws in force which leads to rash, negligent and uncontrolled mining transportation causing accidents and loss of life,” he said.
He said that after their complaint, GSPCB member secretary Levinson Martins acted swiftly, directing his team to conduct an inspection and collect data on air monitoring. “Accordingly, a inspection team along with our few villagers went to the site,” he said.
On the other hand, Velip said, that the Mines Director was not willing to accept the fact that rampant violations are being done by lease holders. “We are now going to file a criminal case against Acharya,” he said.
