Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat must make time to solve mining created problems

Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) takes strong objection to the statement of Goa Chief Minister Digmabar Kamat that he has no time to solve the problems created by mining industry in Sirigaon, Bicholim.

Mr. Kamat has been quoted in Forbes Asia magazine of October 5 2009, published from New York with regards to water and agriculture problems created due to rampant irresponsible mining in Sirigaon. On page 23 in an article titled "...Meantime, in Goa" Digambar Kamat was asked when the State might act on the court-ordered report, Goa Chief Minister barked "I don't have time for this" and slammed down the phone on writer Megha Bahree.

It man be noted that National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) had submitted the report to the Goa bench of Bombay High Court some months ago pointing out how open cast mining has led to the depletion of ground water and silting of agriculture in Sirigaon village.

Considering all this evidence it is shocking that Goa Chief Minister has no time to pay attention to this very serious problem confronting Sirigaon as well as Goa.

GOAMAP urges Goa Chief Minister to make time and on priority basis to solve mining generated problems related to water, agriculture, forest, air pollution etc in Sirigaon and rest of Goa too.

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