Curpem locals oppose renewal of mining leases

QUEPEM, JUNE 25 (HC) -- Residents of Curpem and Colomba in Sanguem taluka on Thursday opposed the renewal of mining leases of two mining companies in their areas.

The residents made this decision at a public hearing organized by Goa State Pollution Control Board at Shree Curpeshwar Temple hall, Satarkarwada-Curpem, Sanguem.The public hearing was organized to hear objections and suggestions from the public with regard to the two mining companies, who had applied for the environment clearance certificate to renew their mining leases. Additional Collector Prasanna Acharya and GSPCB representative Rajendra J Kamat presided over the hearing.

Rama Velip of Colomba said that since the tributaries of Kushawati River start from the mining site, starting of mine would adversely affect Kushawati River as the mining silt will flow into the river.“Due to operation of the mine, agriculture will also be affected as some parts of mine lease area form agricultural land. Besides, rock carvings at Colomba and Ponsamol, which are nearby the proposed mine, will also be affected,” said Velip.

It may be recalled that a year ago, Rivona-Colomba panchayat had passed a resolution stating that no further mining will be allowed in the village.

In his speech, Motes Antao, said that the major portion where the mine would be set up is a ‘forest area’, besides Selaulim Dam is also at a distance of 500 mtrs away from the proposed mine site.Dr Audut Prabhu Dessai, while opposing the mine, stated that mining activity would affect the tribals in the area. “There will be traffic chaos. The roads are already overburdened with the existing trucks,” said Dr Dessai.

Harish Gaonkar, Xavier Fernandes and Surya Gaonkar also spoke on the occasion.However, Curpem Sarpanch Josephine Fernandes along with some locals, Suraj Gaonkar and Dilip Gaonkar supported the mining activity, provided interests of the locals are protected.

Herald 26 June 2009, Panjim