Tribal issue: cancellation of mining leases sought

Herald June 01, 2009

Panaji

HERALD REPORTERPANJIM, MAY 31Demanding immediate cancellations of mining leases which affect livelihood of Tribals, the People’s Tribunal on Sunday observed that the area which the mining companies claim to have leases or concession, is mostly inhabited by the tribals.

The People's Tribunal on Restoration of Tribal Homelands in Goa, organised by the Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation, held its hearing at Menezes Braganza hall, under the chairmanship of Justice Hosbet Suresh.“We have heard about 60 submissions from different parts of Goa in the last two days and it is clear from their testimonies that there is a concerted effort to deprive the tribals of their land, their home, their sources of livelihood and above all their human dignity,” Justice Suresh told reporters after the conclusion of the hearing.

Further pointing out at the mining industry, he said, “The area which the mining companies claim to have mining leases/concession is mostly inhabited by the tribals.”“Though the tribals do not have titles in some cases, they are in actual possession,” he added.He said the existence of tribals is at stake with the operationalisation of mining leases.“The mining leases of the mines that affect the very lives and livelihood of the tribals require to be cancelled,” said Justice Suresh.Moreover claiming that the various tribal communities have a long tradition of environmental balance, the Tribunal also felt that finalising the Draft RP 2021 would be illegal without the consent of the Gram Sabha’s.

“The fields, khazans, plateaus, forests and water bodies have been nurtured and preserved by the tribals whose livelihoods are sustainable and harmonious with nature,” he said.However, Justice Suresh continued, “irresponsible mining, indiscriminate industrialisation (SEZs) and haphazard real estate development have been responsible for attack on the lands, lives and livelihoods of the very tribals who have been the custodians of Goa's environment.”

“Therefore, every planning and development exercise should include the restoration of the land use based on traditional rights of the tribals on Goa's land,” he said adding “The government's Regional Plan 2021 cannot be said to be legal without the conduct of “gram sabha” meetings and the constitution and deliberations of the gram sabha as visualised under the Forest Right Act-2006 with regard to planning of community resources.”

Adv Caroline Collaso, Dr Wandana Sonalkar and Adv Albertina Ameida were the other members of the Jury.