GOAMAP CRITICISES FOREST DEPARTMENT FOR SOFT PEDDLING ON MINING INDUSTRY

Date: 10th July 2009
To,
Chief Conservator of Forest,
Pajnim, Goa

Deputy Conservator of Forest, (South Goa)
Margao, Goa.

Sub: Complaint against Forest Department for Public Hearings for mining in lease number 01/1961 and 17/1949 covering forest land in the villages of Colomba and Curpem in Sanguem Taluka.

Sir,

This is to complaint against Forest department for remaining absent for the Public Hearings for mining in lease number 01/1961 and 17/1949 covering Forest land in the villages of Colomba and Curpem in Sanguem Taluka on 25th June 2009 held in Curpem Village.

The absence of your department clearly indicates that Forest department instead of protecting the Forest is determined to destroy the forest of Goa by failing to raise objections at the Public hearings for mining leases.

I wish to bring to your notice that the legal representative holding the rank of Deputy Conservator of Forest Mr. Milind Karkhanis has stated in his deposition before the People’s Tribunal organized by Gawda Kunbi Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) and headed by retired High Court Judge Justice Hosbet Suresh on May 31, 2009 at Menezes Braganza Hall, Panjim that it is duty of Forest department to remain present at the Public Hearing for mining purpose if Forest land is involved.

Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) strongly protests and demands immediate inquiry as to why forest department failed to remain present and file objections.

Thanking you,


Yours Sincerely,

Sd/-
(Motesh Antao)