Rivona resident files criminal complaint against mining firms

Herald Correpondent
Quepem, Jan 19

A resident of Chudiamol-Colomba in Rivona has filed a criminal complaint against mining companies, operating in different parts of Colomba, Rivona and Surrounding areas.

In a complaint filed before Quepem and Sanguem police, Dumiana D’Souza has stated that mines managers of nine mining companies, which are allegedly transporting iron ore via Colomba – Rivona – Tilamol to Curchorem, are loaded above permissible limits.

“to facilitate overloading, most trucks have raised the height of the cargo by fixing iron or wooden planks above the cargo,” alleged D’Souza in her complaint.

She further stated that overloading of trucks is going on in violation of the High Court order dated January 29, 2002, passed in a writ petition in utter disrespect to the notification dated December 15, 2007 issued by the Director of Transport and in contravention to the special condition laid down in the mining leases and environment clearances.

She has filed complaint under Sections 268, 269, 270 and 278 of IPC, section 133 of CrPC, Section 40 of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 and Section 2(22), 37 of Goa Public Health Act 1985.

Since trucks are overloaded, there has been a spillage of ore over the entire route from Colomba to Curchorem, especially where there are speed breakers, where the road is uneven and where there are turns,” she complained.

“Spillage gradually turns into dust, which in turn causes health hazards to the pedestrians, school children and those residing in the vicinity. Sometimes, big ore stones fall on the road causing danger to human life.”

The complaint further states that dust pollution caused by spillage of Ore from the overloaded mining trucks were the main cause of air-related diseases like asthma, etc. besides, overloading of mining trucks results in a number of accidents.

In the interest of general public, D’Souza appealed to the authorities to initiate stern action against all the mines managers of the mining companies operating in these areas under IPC, Criminal Procedure Code, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 and Goa Public Health Act for endangering public health and jeopardizing the safety of public life.

Herald, 20 January 2010