That open cast, over exploitative mining has destroyed many a water source has been proved now and again. However, while the generations to come will suffer, neither the authorities nor a majority of the residents seem to be bothered; either taken up by the present lucre – like truck earnings and handouts – or are too intimidated to take a stand.
This is another example with Mr Ramakant Kushali Gaonkar of Chimud Wada of Curpem village in Sanguem alleging that a mine has damaged a natural spring as the rejects are flowing along with the spring water through the mountain and destroying their major potable water source. This water has served them for time immemorial and this destruction of the water body will ultimately destroy their kulagar (with numerous betel nut and other fruit bearing trees). There is also a fear in the minds of residents that with these rejects flowing through the mountain, a portion of the hill may collapse.
Another even more frightening thought is that these mining rejects along with the spring water joins the Selaulim dam reservoir. This may enter the water and even block the filteration plant. Reports of turbidity in Selaulim dam waters have already appeared in the media.
Corrupt Congress and Police Supporting Miners in Goa
Reference to the article “Quepem tense, priest among 73 held” on Herald dated 13 Nov-09, it’s has been very disheartening to note that despite numerous protests and representations over the years the Congress government turns a blind eye to the suffering and the anxieties of the large number of people residing in the mining areas. Has the Congress government no concern for the lives and safety of these people ? Most certainly, the scales have been heavily tilted in favour of the miners, and the cause of this tilt is certainly beyond doubt the “Koda fortune” effect. Crores outweighing, the well being of the people of Goa.
The police are only too happy to be of service to the miners for their share of the spoils. Every time people protest peacefully, the men in uniform always make their presence felt on the side of the miners by arresting peaceful protesters and using brut force and intimidation and even threaten them with encounter deaths. This surely looks like the law of the jungle here in Goa.
There is no action taken against the illegal dumping of mining waste, nor against the diminishing of water bodies as a result of mining, nor against the deforestation that takes place, nor against the destruction of fertile land and fields and above all no action is taken against the miners, when their trucks are involved in accidents, some times even fatal. It is only obvious why the politicians, the police and the bureaucracy are on the sides of the miners rather than the people whom they had sworn to support and protect, while the miners break all laws of decorum with utmost impunity.
It is very easy for the police to take action against the Aam Aadmi and arrest them, but when it comes to tackling crime, they do look lost and ill-equipped, for example the swords case, after one and a half year the FIR was registered, it’s been more than a month for the bomb case and we haven’t heard much about it, the number of theft cases that are going on, on a daily basis, our police don’t seem to have any answers to these, but when it come to protecting the interests of the miners, it’s efficiency at it’s best.
Post new comment