By Anjoli Bandyopadhyay
December 12, 2003
On November 30, 2003 three people from the Forest Department and the Ministry of the Environment “inspected” the beach in Morgim, a small coastal village in Goa. Their official mandate was the protection of the Olive Ridley Turtles that lay their eggs on this beach at night. If the turtles are disturbed or if their nests are raided for food, turtles will not return to Morgim beach. According to Forest Department officials, this is one of the few beaches in Goa that still has Olive Ridley Turtles nesting on it. These turtles are also known to lay eggs on beaches in Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and in the neighbouring state of Maharastra. So Goa, as a “state,” has an interest in protecting the Olive Ridley Turtles on the beach in Morgim.
The “inspection” of the beach resulted in the demolition of several “beach shacks” that serve food to tourists. These beach shacks are built of bamboo and are run by local entrepreneurs. The Forest Department had several recommendations one of which was the immediate removal of the unlicensed shacks that were pushing back sand dunes and encroaching on turtle nesting areas. The turtles are not threatened with extinction but the Forest Department Officers are intent on protecting them and attracting a certain kind of tourist to Goan beaches. They mentioned the need to cater to “upscale” tourists who will pay more to see the turtles, and dolphins and clean beaches.
Some shack owners are not convinced that the Forest Department is merely intent on protecting the turtles. The shack owners are mostly locals whose fathers were fishermen or toddy tappers who have chosen to work in Goa’s tourist industry, second only to the mining industry. They fear that the Forest Department is paving the way for large five star hotels to establish themselves further inland and that they will lose their lucrative but small businesses catering mostly to lower income English and European office workers and partying Israeli youths. The shack owners are already struggling with the government’s rising licensing fees which were raised from 15000 Rupees per annum to 50000 Rupees per annum and then dropped back to 15000 Rupees.
The fight for the survival of Olive Ridley Turtles began in 1996 when a concerned inhabitant of Morgim wrote to several organizations about the need to protect the turtle nests. The Goa Foundation, an environmentalist group, responded and with the Forest Department started patrolling the beach and convincing the locals not to eat or sell the eggs. In fact the Morgim villagers and shack owners actively participated in the turtle protection “programme.” However, the action may not be having its desired effects now that the Forest Department is targeting Morgim for five star hotels. The villagers of Morgim are quite rightly asking themselves whether they or their children will reap the benefits of tourism on their beach. In fact many of the villagers are already unemployed and poor or employed in Kuwait or Canada. The five star hotels will not be owned and run by local people but by the same people who own Goan forests, plants, fertilizers and mines.
Mining, tourism, and agriculture are now the main sources of income in Goa. These resources are all land based and at present there is a struggle for use of these lands. Goa has what is called extensive laterization, that is, vast underground brick formations of iron ore and manganese. One estimate of Goan iron ore reserves is 600 to 800 million tonnes. Other minerals found in Goa are bauxite, quartz, and saline clay. The laterite formations of iron and manganese ore store water and as Goa receives heavy rainfall, there has never been a shortage of water for forests and agriculture. Goa is also blessed with at least 265 days of clear sunshine every year. People have been growing millet, rice, vegetables, fruits, areca nut, cashew, coconut, and mangoes. However, as mining continues and the iron ore reserves are depleted, water shortages, water contamination and flooding are becoming major problems affecting the state’s agricultural economy and outlook for the future. The most common complaints are dry wells, drops in the water table, and silt deposits in the fields and rivers.
Pissurlem, North Goa
The situation in the village of Pissurlem, North Goa, is very serious. Damodar Mangalji & Company (DMC) started its mining activities near the village of Pissurlem in 1947. The villagers were already relocated twenty years ago to accommodate the mine and accepted compensation for their land. Five hundred families were living on the land currently occupied by the mine and one hundred and fifty farmers were granted compensation for their land as per the Ministry of Agriculture guidelines. Some of the villagers have not received their compensation yet. A road was built to transport rejection ore but many of the villagers opposed its construction. In 1992 people started blocking the roads to protest the illegal dumping of rejection ore on Forest Reserve lands. Many of the villagers, including Hanuman (?), were arrested and had to fight the mine in the courts. In fact, the villagers have many complaints and are considering not selling more of their land and relocating a second time as the mine expands.
Their main concerns are the shortage of water for their fields, contamination of their drinking water, dust pollution and silt deposits in their fields. This open cast iron ore mine has already created a large pit below the natural groundwater table resulting in a water reservoir filling the pit. The mine is draining the pit of water with pumps in order to access iron ore and diverting the water towards a river that flows out to the Arabian Sea. The villagers have asked that the water be diverted to their remaining fields for agriculture but the mine is refusing to do so. The farmers are not as productive as they were before due to shortage of water. The springs and wells have dried up and the villagers must rely on water pumped in to a village tank by the mine. They are drinking water that contains mining silt and are experiencing many health problems such as diarrhea. Their children are visiting doctors twice a month. They are also breathing in mining dust and many people are suffering from asthma and tuberculosis. Their fields are muddied with silt and they cannot grow enough rice.
There is an ongoing struggle between the inhabitants of Dhatwada in Pissurlem and the mine owners for basic rights and control over the remaining land. DMC is intent on displacing this village to a different locality and extracting the ore beneath their fields. The villagers have noticed "cracks" in the land and in their homes due to the mine's blasting activities and have asked that their homes be rebuilt on safer "agricultural" land in the area. They are asking for "155,320 Sq.mts of agricultural land" and the company is stalling by asking for legal proof. The company's offer "in order to save time and come to amicable settlement" is twofold; the company claims that it "cannot find any land in the vicinity fit for agriculture and equivalent to the area claimed by the residents of Dhatwada" and "proposes that if the villagers are agreeable it would transfer an area of 50,000 Sq.mts in Saleli yielding rubber plantation and about 75,000 Sq.mts of similar land in Kumarkhand." The company's alternative is that the Government acquire the land at the cost of the company and "the villagers be paid cash equivalent of their interest." The villagers don't want to be dependent on mines or rubber plantations for their livelihood. They want sustainable agriculture on their fields.
The social impact of mining on the Pissurlem villagers has been very negative. A recent article from the Herald cites a study showing that "those in mining areas suffered from higher duration of sicknesses, frequency of sickness and consequently intensity of sickness." The Pissurlem villagers report that people from non-mining villages are not responding to their marriage proposals. It is especially difficult for them to bring girls in from non-mining villages as people don't want to live in the mining dust and drink the water from the reservoir tank and polluted milk. Girls from Pissurlem seek husbands in non-mining villages. Women who worked in the fields twenty years ago no longer work in the fields and stay at home. Women who worked in the mines twenty years ago have lost their jobs due to the mechanization of loading. The only jobs available to women are serving water to the male labourers. There are only three women from Pissurlem employed in this way. The children of Pissurlem go to a school built not even 50 metres away from a rejection ore dumping site.
The villagers do not believe that the mine will provide them or their children with adequate employment opportunities now or in the future and they wish to successfully cultivate their rice paddies. Many men are unemployed. Only four villagers were "compensated" with trucks to transport the ore. The people of Dhatwada have asked DMC "to provide two permanent employments to each family as per their qualification." The company has refused to do this as "it cannot employ any more employees as it is already having surplus staff." The company adds that "almost all of the families of Dhatwada have at least one of their members working with the company." But according to the villagers, of the 700 people living in the two wadas of Dhatwada and Panchawada, only 32 men are working at the DMC mine, 8 men are working at the Sesa Goa mine and three women are working serving water at both these mines. And the villagers are already thinking about how they might earn a living twenty years from now when there won't be any more iron ore to extract from their land.
Rivona, Sanguem Taluka, South Goa
(Two neighbouring) villages in Sanguem in South Goa have similar stories. One village has been relocated as was Pissurlem. Only this time, the people were displaced by the government in order to construct a dam.. The Portuguese had constructed good dams (where) two rivers (meet and) the people of this village and neighbouring villages were cultivating rice and sugarcane). But in the name of "agricultural development," three villages were displaced and (split into six wadas) They were placed on dry lands with dry wells) and expected to) cultivate sugarcane and not rice (because rice requires water every four days). (Many people) , are not producing enough sugarcane to survive, have turned to drink and have taken loans to pay for food and drink. They no longer have a staple supply of rice to eat. While the villagers cannot eat due to water shortages, private pipelines take water from the government dam to five star hotels owned by (Dempos and Timblos). The villagers speak of corruption in the village panchayats.
In this region, communication is difficult as people are afraid to talk. Corruption, harassment and much monitoring of village activities prevents people from speaking about their lives and connecting with other people. Some of the tribal women working in a mine have to walk up and down hills for an hour and a half, morning and evening, to get to work and home again. They are watched by supervisors who are not local; these managers often accompany them home and prohibit them from speaking to anyone on the way. Some locals have reported sexual exploitation in the mines. The mining companies also employ sweepers for the public roads that their trucks use for transportation of the ore. These roads are damaged by frequent use and covered in mining dust. The sweepers are usually placed near shops and bars used by the locals and people are constantly watching each other and listening to what is said. When outsiders arrive and visit the Kushavati River, which is public, mine employees are dispatched to enquire about identity and take photographs of the visitors. If an outsider associated with a villager makes a phone call at a public pay phone, that phone number is tracked.
In Mushcaurem village, one or more members of the families have worked with the Timblos mining company. In Sunita's family, her sister Surehka worked in the mine located only 300 metres away from their land and home. She worked there for three years but had to stop when she had constant headaches and started losing her eyesight. Sunita's family is now surviving on the milk they sell from the cow Sunita's mother brought in as dowry on her wedding day. The family can no longer cultivate its own land and has been forced to work on other peoples' land. Whereas they used to get twenty bags of rice per year, now they only get seven. The reasons are always the same. The wells have gone dry and their fields are silted.
The mining company wants to expand its operation and routinely hands out applications for compensation to the villagers. Timblo industries and the Goa government filed an application under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, to mine the ore on forest land used by the villagers of the Mushcaurem and Colomba villages. But the villagers are resisting this attempt to displace them for the ore. They want to continue living off their land and they have written to the Forest Advisory Committee that "these high mountains which are a part of the Western Ghats form a natural watershed, that bring forth water through countless perennial springs, which we use for drinking, domestic purposes, irrigation of crops and dairy farming."
The villagers also complain that the Forest Department evicts them from forest land for wildlife conservation that is then turned over to ganja plantations and mining operations. They used to hunt for wild boar in the forests but the Forest Department routinely patrols the forest to keep hunters out. However, the Forest Department turns a blind eye to the illegal mining taking place on these same reserve forest lands. The villagers, including Sunita's father Saptu Faterpekar and Anil Sawant, note in their letter to the Forest Advisory Committee that since 1996, "the diversion of forest land under Forest Conservation Act, in the above mentioned Survey Nos., was clandestinely being done."
On November 30, 2003, after protests and road blocks in Dandolem near Muschaurem, the government finally sent "inspectors" from the Panjim area out to the Sanguem area to monitor mining activities in the wildlife conservation areas of Verlem, Tudov and Salgini. Mining companies were aware of the inspection and stopped their operations. The village youth stopped the trucks at Kevona knowing that these trucks were involved in illegal mining activity. Some of the villagers had accompanied the government Field Officer on the inspections. However, later that evening, the mine owners arrived with formal permissions to mine from the Forest Department and the trucks were released. Again, the Forest Department doesn't seem to be too interested in protecting wildlife. As soon as illegal mining activities are challenged by the people, unrestricted "permissions" are given to mining companies in conservation areas. But the forests are vigilantly patrolled to prohibit Sunita's father from occasional hunting.
The Problem
The Portuguese seriously started mining activities in Goa in 1906 by granting mining concessions to certain Goan families in exchange for land, conversions to Christianity, liquor and women. These concessions were granted in perpetuity with the government merely reserving the right to supervise the extraction of ores. The lucky families, known as the “Goan industrial houses” still own the mines that are in operation today in spite of several attempts to redistribute and regulate mining activity. After “Liberation” from the Portuguese in 1961, the Indian government enforced the Mines and Minerals Act 1957 by distributing eighty new mining leases. However the new government did not cancel the Portuguese mining concessions. The mining concessions were to be abolished in 1987 with the Goa, Daman and Diu Mining Concessions Act, also known as the Abolition Act. But the mine owners successfully challenged this in court and have been able to continue their activities. So today, the Chowgules, the Dempos, the Timblos, the Salgaocars, DMC, Sesa Goa and others basically own the laterite iron and manganese ore reserves in Goa and have been given free reign to deplete these reserves without providing for the land or its people.
Mining, forestry and agriculture in Goa have a long history of association. Forestry began with the Fransiscan and Jesuit priests in the sixteenth century who needed teak wood to build Churches and for ship building in Portugal. The Jesuits were the first to plan “reforestation” with teak plantations and in 1771 the Portuguese set up an office for agriculture and forestry together. The forests came under state ownership and were divided into Reserve Forest and Protected Forest lands. The government has complete control over activities in the forests. In 1958 the Directorate of Agriculture and Forests and the Directorate of Mines were brought under one combined Directorate. The Forest Conservation Act came about in 1980. Some indications that the Forest Department works in tandem with the mine owners have been gleaned by the Goa Foundation; Goa Foundation reports that while official data states that only 480 hectares of forest lands were used for mining, the TERI (Tata Energy Research Institute) Report notes that 2528 hectares of forest land disappeared between 1988 and 1997 alone. The Forest Department has more of an interest in protecting mining companies contributing to the "development" of Goa's economy than in protecting the land, the people and wildlife.
The main mining lobbies in Goa are Dempo’s, Salgaoncar, Timblos, Sesa Goa, and DMC. Dempos claims to have been birthed in 1600 with “a fleet of small sailing crafts called Pangayas set sail.” This enterprise, "launched by the Dempo family” has grown to encompass mining, carbon manufacture, publications, and five star hotels on Goa's famous beaches. According to one report, the Dempos own almost the entire fishing village of Siridao. Salgaoncar, Timblos, Sesa Goa and DMC have remarkably similar profiles. All own and fund colleges in Goa. All of them own major publications and all of them are shareholders in five star hotels. Several of them are into construction and have a history in shipbuilding. Timblos, founded by Gurudas Timblo, has mining leases, beneficiation plants, magnetic separation plants and more significantly, barge fleets. Chowgules, with "modest beginnings in 1916…. had been exporting tin scrap, coconut oil, wood and bamboo to the Middle East..." also owns breweries, colleges, shipbuilding companies and construction companies. The turtle protection programme in Morgim was as much about fighting hunting and gathering of turtle eggs and the five star construction lobby as fighting the fishing trawler lobby. The government and the Forest Department use the conservation of Olive Ridley Turtles as an excuse to clear the way for Dempos and Timblos and Salgaoncar hotels on Morgim beach and bigger fishing trawlers owned by these same mining barons. Like turtles and minerals, the people are generally silent.
Addendum
Anil, one of Sunita's neighbours in Mushaurem, South Goa, has never worked in the mines but his parents and his sister Prema did. Prema quit Timblos after two years because of "harassment." She, like Sunita's sister Surehka, was also suffering from constant headaches. Anil is fighting the mine as he has noticed that his land is no longer as fertile as it used to be. He sees the silt deposits in his fields and notes the declining yields. He grows rice, cucumbers, coconuts and other vegetables. Several years ago, he took government advice and swapped his cow dung fertilizer and seeds developed by his ancestors for seeds and fertilizer sold to him yearly by a company called Birla. Birla is also a major mining company in India responsible for the extraction of bauxite in Andhra Pradesh. Anil is now wondering whether the seeds and fertilizer he is now depending on are actually increasing or lowering his productivity. He is looking into returning to "organic farming." His practices are fostering a dangerous dependence on the corporations that control all of Goa's resources. In short, mining companies, with the help of the state government, have been systematically evicting people from their land and destroying traditional "sustainable" agriculture in Goa by mining, by leaving silt deposits, by leaving water filled craters, by creating water shortages, and by selling seed and chemical fertilizers to the farmers.
Birla Group is now a multinational corporation from Calcutta primarily in mining, cement, and jute. EMIL, a closely held company of the AV Birla group, is engaged in three diverse businesses - mining of iron ore, manufacture of ferro alloys, and the manufacture of woven sacks catering primarily to the packaging needs of the fertilizer industry. The Birla group is also involved in the extraction of phosphates for the manufacture of fertilizers. Phosphorous is the main component of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizers used on food crops throughout the world. In 1999, Birla Group of India and Office Cherifien des Phosphates in Morocco started a joint venture in mining phosphates in Morocco and Birla uses almost two thirds of the production in its fertilizer subsidiaries in India; now Birla must sell its fertilizers. So Birla, like other MNCs has yet another vested interest in mining forest lands for the extraction of minerals and in destroying traditional "sustainable" agriculture of villagers in India.
Showing posts with label Pissurlem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pissurlem. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Glimpses from Pissurlem
On December 27, 2008 few people concerned about tragedy unfolded by mining industry in Goa went to Pissurlem, Sattari to get first hand accound of the situation. Pissurlem has been under mining assault for the past half a century. This is a photo essay based on pictures by Shaweta Anand and commentary by Sebastian Rodrigues.This picture symbolizes reality of nature and horticulture in the form of two coconut trees: One dead and second one alive. This is largely a reality of the state of Goa in the context of mining. It is an incessant struggle between life and death....
This coconut trees has no energy left to bear fruits. Mining has done the trick.
Soil has lost fertility. These plants symbolises this painful reality.
Agriculture fields re full of mining. No crop is cultivated here. One upon a time Pissurlem was highest ranking village in Sattari taluka in terms of Paddy cultivation.
But today its paddy fields are full of mining silt.
This reality has gripped entire Pissurlem village.
Couple of buffaloes and few egrets enjoy last remains of moisture in these once evergreen paddy fields.
House in Pissulem village.
Cow dung cakes in Pissurlem. Perhaps these are last of remain after remaining green portions being earmarked for expansion of mining industry.
Stagnant water in Pissurlem lake.
Stagnation visible. Once this lake used to cater to the entire paddy cultivation of Pissurlem village. Today stagnation is a reality.
The neglectful reality of lake continues...
Another picture of lake. Planet Earth may lost it forever due to mining.
Mining in close proximity of Paddy fields in Pissurlem.
Mining activity: razed hillocks.
Pissurlem women in conversation.
Mining trucks on Pissurlem village roads.
If you have a mining truck then you have a comfort of a luxury car in Pissurlem. Unfortunately, neither car nor truck can satisfy human thirst and hunger.
Cars are very attractive co-option mechanisms in Pissurlem village.
Ore from Pissurlem for exports: truck overflows and uncovered.
Mining trucks are so much an integral part of Pissurlem village. Once upon a time it was its paddy fields that were so much its integral part. The change is so visible and direct.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Goa's hinterlands thirsty for water
Mining companies supply water to Pissurlem villagers after their wells ran dry due to mining.
Our future generations are groomed with dry wells. This is indeed unacceptable reality. People are paid in cash to keep silent on the biggest tragedy of post liberation Goa.
One more dry well of Pissurlem village documented by TV channel CNN-IBN in May 2008.
In spite of natural water tanks in the form of Western Ghats mountains, Goa's hinterlands are thirsty for water. Every drop of water counts. In villages like Pissulem in Sattari taluka communities are forced into water dependency on mining companies.
Sebastian Rodrigues
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Prerna Singh Bindra on Mining in Goa
Hi! following is a communication from Prerna Bindra...
Cheers,
Hartman
After this note below appeared in The Herald, I heard from Timblo - very often, and with repeated demands to meet them - I had left Goa by then, but sadly, my story is yet to happen. I would like to go down to Goa again and do an extensive report on what mining is doing to Goa, for the little I saw and witnessed disturbed me. Mining is ruining Goa, its wildlife, forests, water tables, productivity of the soil, health, and by impacting the livlihood of the people, is changing the very fabric of the life of the people - people who are displaced from their villages for their fields are ruined by mining wastes. I met with people whose houses were cracked due to mining blasts, who now depend on tankers for their water, who are now suffering from respiratory diseases, and who can now only grow crops once a year (some who can't even do that) due to Mining. It will impact on tourism on which much of the Goan economy is dependent and it will ruin the face of Goa as we know it.
Timblo? The less said the better. People who profess to love Goa, and then set about ruining is, are deplorable. I have been first hand witness to their strong arm tactics shown to anyone who dares shake their empire. The underhand tactics are well-known, and need to be exposed...
Prerna Bindra
I note with some shock the blatant misrepresentation of facts, in certain sections of the media that myself, Prerna Singh Bindra, a journalist from
Tehelka, was 'trespassing' on Fomento property, and other baseless allegations which I would like to deny, and counter.
I deny the ridiculous charge of 'tresspassing'. There was no board which announced that the said property was 'private property' or 'tresspassers not allowed', there was no security personnel, so we-i was accompanied by Mr Rajendra Kerkar and my driver- entered what I was later informed, was Fomento premises. I must have gone in about 50 metres of what appeared to be-and later confirmed-to be a mining dump, I took about three pictures, when a security guard came towards us, and told us to "get out." He demanded my camera-which i refused to give. I asked him if this was private premises, and when he replied it was, I readily offered to leave, but refused to part with my camera. By which time, three other security gaurds had joined us-and demanded my camera. Their language was rough, and abusive-and best not repeated.
I not allowed to leave, our exit was physically blocked.
So we waited, as their might increased. In another 30 minutes there was security personnel, plus their myriad managers-mine manager, assistent manager, deputy managers-about 25-to 30 of them, and they got abusive, using language best not repeated in polite company.
They tried to snatch the car keys, even though we were standing quietly, making no attempts to leave. I requested them not to snatch the keys, but they persisted. And at this point , I decided to call the police-there is no irony in this, as the 'honourable' chairman of the company points out.
We were three of us, they owerpowered us in numbers, and were abusive, hence I felt the need to call the police which i did. There is sir, no 'illegal trespassing, but illegal detainment.
So who, pray is the 'terrorist' here?
As for Auduth Timblo's tall claims that their company is 'open to public scrutiny and will share any information'-I have requested just one simple bit of information from their manager, their media consultant, and their director Mr Louis-but am yet to hear from them. An example, perhaps, of how 'transparent' they are. My request to meet their director was also not been met with, and is merely being pushed around for the past three days.
Additionally, if the matter was 'of national security concern', perhaps they should have a board which atleast indicating that this is private property, or have manned, if not closed, gates?
Yes, their manager demanded my Tehelka identity, and i politely told him that since I had recently joined, I did not have Tehelka Pres card, but offered that he talk to the Tehelka editor, Tarun Tejpal, at that very moment. the managers refused. As they did any other identity proof. They were beyond reasoning. The same identity proof was given to the police, as requested by them.
It is high time that mining companies give up their bullying tactics. Mining, especially strip or open-cast mining, of the kind that prevails in Goa, has devastating impacts on environment, ecology,health, water tables, agricultural yields-this is backed by scientific studies, and this is the story that I am here to do, and refuse to be cowed down. I have made attempts to talk reasonably to Fomento, but draw the line at blatant defamation.
I have ten years of solid investigative journalism, covering environment and wildlife issues, behind me, and strongly object to ridiculous, and untrue, statements of 'journalism in the barb of active terrorism, "vested interests." and such like.
Tehelka, with its impeccable record of path breaking journalism, doesn't really need to justify its reputation.
Sincerely,
Prerna Singh Bindra
Senior Astt Editor,
Tehelka
Cheers,
Hartman
After this note below appeared in The Herald, I heard from Timblo - very often, and with repeated demands to meet them - I had left Goa by then, but sadly, my story is yet to happen. I would like to go down to Goa again and do an extensive report on what mining is doing to Goa, for the little I saw and witnessed disturbed me. Mining is ruining Goa, its wildlife, forests, water tables, productivity of the soil, health, and by impacting the livlihood of the people, is changing the very fabric of the life of the people - people who are displaced from their villages for their fields are ruined by mining wastes. I met with people whose houses were cracked due to mining blasts, who now depend on tankers for their water, who are now suffering from respiratory diseases, and who can now only grow crops once a year (some who can't even do that) due to Mining. It will impact on tourism on which much of the Goan economy is dependent and it will ruin the face of Goa as we know it.
Timblo? The less said the better. People who profess to love Goa, and then set about ruining is, are deplorable. I have been first hand witness to their strong arm tactics shown to anyone who dares shake their empire. The underhand tactics are well-known, and need to be exposed...
Prerna Bindra
I note with some shock the blatant misrepresentation of facts, in certain sections of the media that myself, Prerna Singh Bindra, a journalist from
Tehelka, was 'trespassing' on Fomento property, and other baseless allegations which I would like to deny, and counter.
I deny the ridiculous charge of 'tresspassing'. There was no board which announced that the said property was 'private property' or 'tresspassers not allowed', there was no security personnel, so we-i was accompanied by Mr Rajendra Kerkar and my driver- entered what I was later informed, was Fomento premises. I must have gone in about 50 metres of what appeared to be-and later confirmed-to be a mining dump, I took about three pictures, when a security guard came towards us, and told us to "get out." He demanded my camera-which i refused to give. I asked him if this was private premises, and when he replied it was, I readily offered to leave, but refused to part with my camera. By which time, three other security gaurds had joined us-and demanded my camera. Their language was rough, and abusive-and best not repeated.
I not allowed to leave, our exit was physically blocked.
So we waited, as their might increased. In another 30 minutes there was security personnel, plus their myriad managers-mine manager, assistent manager, deputy managers-about 25-to 30 of them, and they got abusive, using language best not repeated in polite company.
They tried to snatch the car keys, even though we were standing quietly, making no attempts to leave. I requested them not to snatch the keys, but they persisted. And at this point , I decided to call the police-there is no irony in this, as the 'honourable' chairman of the company points out.
We were three of us, they owerpowered us in numbers, and were abusive, hence I felt the need to call the police which i did. There is sir, no 'illegal trespassing, but illegal detainment.
So who, pray is the 'terrorist' here?
As for Auduth Timblo's tall claims that their company is 'open to public scrutiny and will share any information'-I have requested just one simple bit of information from their manager, their media consultant, and their director Mr Louis-but am yet to hear from them. An example, perhaps, of how 'transparent' they are. My request to meet their director was also not been met with, and is merely being pushed around for the past three days.
Additionally, if the matter was 'of national security concern', perhaps they should have a board which atleast indicating that this is private property, or have manned, if not closed, gates?
Yes, their manager demanded my Tehelka identity, and i politely told him that since I had recently joined, I did not have Tehelka Pres card, but offered that he talk to the Tehelka editor, Tarun Tejpal, at that very moment. the managers refused. As they did any other identity proof. They were beyond reasoning. The same identity proof was given to the police, as requested by them.
It is high time that mining companies give up their bullying tactics. Mining, especially strip or open-cast mining, of the kind that prevails in Goa, has devastating impacts on environment, ecology,health, water tables, agricultural yields-this is backed by scientific studies, and this is the story that I am here to do, and refuse to be cowed down. I have made attempts to talk reasonably to Fomento, but draw the line at blatant defamation.
I have ten years of solid investigative journalism, covering environment and wildlife issues, behind me, and strongly object to ridiculous, and untrue, statements of 'journalism in the barb of active terrorism, "vested interests." and such like.
Tehelka, with its impeccable record of path breaking journalism, doesn't really need to justify its reputation.
Sincerely,
Prerna Singh Bindra
Senior Astt Editor,
Tehelka
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Mining disasters are normal for Fomentos
Its hard to digest yet we are forced to; for Fomento mining company, mining disasters are normal and a part of its trade.
A statement from Lithoferro mining company that has mining lease of collapsed Advalpal mine has said in Herald today that 12 benches collapse of Advalpal mine operated by Fomentos is internal matter of the mining company. The actual operation of the mine is carried with grave threat to the safety, security and economy of the village of Advalpal in Bicholim Taluka. The management sitting at 5 star hotel Cidade de Goa can hardly understand even a fraction of a threat to the village.
This is not the first time that the Fomentos are involved in disaster as policy; in June 2000 its mine - the same one on when it held Environmentalist Rajendra Kerker and Journalist Prerna Bindra as hostage for two hours for clicking photographs of the ore and released after public pressure yesterday evening - collapsed sending dangerous mining silt into People's houses. With that disaster Pissurlem was flooded and mining debris - meter thick - deposited in houses including in kitchens and bedrooms of Pissurlem villagers. Yet no debris reached to Cideade de Goa, its swimming pools are yet to witness mining silt.
Then in Colamb this year itself on June 12, 2008 Fomentos methodically released mining silt in People's agriculture supervised by its site manager and security officers. Fomentos achieved this disastrous feat again on August 09, 2008 by releasing silt into People's agriculture.
With this track record is yet to become clearer as to whom Fomentos are aiming to bluff. Hardly anyone in Goa is now susceptible to swallow Fomentos august bluff. Never mind let's wish all the best to the corporate for its bluffs; for cat while drinking milk from the utensil closes her eyes with the belief that nobody watches her. Fomentos possibly believe the same: nobody watches and understands its mega bluffs.
We can never let any mining company to make disasters as normal practice of operations. if it does so then they have no right to operate the mine. It has to be shut down once for all.
Sebastian Rodrigues
A statement from Lithoferro mining company that has mining lease of collapsed Advalpal mine has said in Herald today that 12 benches collapse of Advalpal mine operated by Fomentos is internal matter of the mining company. The actual operation of the mine is carried with grave threat to the safety, security and economy of the village of Advalpal in Bicholim Taluka. The management sitting at 5 star hotel Cidade de Goa can hardly understand even a fraction of a threat to the village.
This is not the first time that the Fomentos are involved in disaster as policy; in June 2000 its mine - the same one on when it held Environmentalist Rajendra Kerker and Journalist Prerna Bindra as hostage for two hours for clicking photographs of the ore and released after public pressure yesterday evening - collapsed sending dangerous mining silt into People's houses. With that disaster Pissurlem was flooded and mining debris - meter thick - deposited in houses including in kitchens and bedrooms of Pissurlem villagers. Yet no debris reached to Cideade de Goa, its swimming pools are yet to witness mining silt.
Then in Colamb this year itself on June 12, 2008 Fomentos methodically released mining silt in People's agriculture supervised by its site manager and security officers. Fomentos achieved this disastrous feat again on August 09, 2008 by releasing silt into People's agriculture.
With this track record is yet to become clearer as to whom Fomentos are aiming to bluff. Hardly anyone in Goa is now susceptible to swallow Fomentos august bluff. Never mind let's wish all the best to the corporate for its bluffs; for cat while drinking milk from the utensil closes her eyes with the belief that nobody watches her. Fomentos possibly believe the same: nobody watches and understands its mega bluffs.
We can never let any mining company to make disasters as normal practice of operations. if it does so then they have no right to operate the mine. It has to be shut down once for all.
Sebastian Rodrigues
Rajendra Kerker, Prerna Bindra win back freedom from Fomentos
After suffering 2 hours ordeal of wrongful confinement at Pissurlem Fomento's supposedly clandestine mining operations Goa's noted Environmentalist Rajendra Kerker and Journalist from National Press - Tehelka - on Goa visit Prerna Bindra freed themselves last evening.
Both of them were on a Fomento mining visit yesterday when securities intercepted them while taking photographs at around 3.40 pm. It is not yet clear as to which nefarious aspect of its Pissurlem mine that Fomentos was preventing from Public glare: Is it the fact that it is operating this mine on government lands? Is it that it was re-started after a long period of shut down with the influence of MLA and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane? Or does it worried that ugly reality of Pissurlem mining for over half century would open new Pandora's box?
Whichever may be the concern, one thing is clear that Fomentos are scared of Cameras! As soon as Prerna Bindra and Rajendra Kerker started taking Pictures security charged at them. Immediately 1 of them came and then 10 and final number of security was 30! All to prevent two people from taking pictures of the lying Iron Ore.
Fometos response with its security was like it was trying to cover up murder secrets with investigations on freshly buried corpses! Oh yes, Fomentos perhaps has awaken to the fact that its mining practices in Pissurlem, Advalpal, Colamb and all other mines is actually equivalent of murder. Murder of water sources, murder of agriculture, murder of forest, Murder of people through inflicting lung diseases, many other variety of murders. It is happy occasion that Fomentos have finally woken up to its behaviour and actually want to actively cover up and hide from the press and public gaze through deployment of security!
We wish Fomentos all the very best in it's adventure to cover up and may nest time the number of security increase by at least, one more zero - it may increase from 30 to 300 per mine in Goa, for you have so much to hide!
Around 4.55 pm Action Alert was circulated on Goa Net asking people to call up Police station in Valpoi and cell contact of the Valpoi PI Vaigankar when Kerker and Bidra was still in custody of the Fomentos in Pissurlem. After public focus and frantic phone calls to police station, both of them including their driver was rescued at 5.40 pm when the Fomentos was forced to open their closed gates.
Then they were led by police to Valpoi Police station and they were there till 6.40 pm. There Company gave in written complaint of trespass against Kerker and Bindra, police accepted the complaint but yet to register the same. Prerna gave written complaint of indecent behaviour towards her by Fomentos staff. Valpoi Police Station was continuously being contacted by People all over Goa and even abroad. Police on the phone were repeatedly denying the charge of wrongful restraining Kerker and Bindra. Their denial is understandable considering the immense pressure they were under from Cidade de Goa as well from MLA Rane.
Surely, we do not know what Prerna Bindra is going to write in the paper that writes for, but your brave fight in Pissurlem is already an inspiration to us, for you along with Rajendra Kerkar have refused the pressure of 30 male security and management to hand over your cameras to their power and mights!
Struggle continues!!
Sebastian Rodrigues
Both of them were on a Fomento mining visit yesterday when securities intercepted them while taking photographs at around 3.40 pm. It is not yet clear as to which nefarious aspect of its Pissurlem mine that Fomentos was preventing from Public glare: Is it the fact that it is operating this mine on government lands? Is it that it was re-started after a long period of shut down with the influence of MLA and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane? Or does it worried that ugly reality of Pissurlem mining for over half century would open new Pandora's box?
Whichever may be the concern, one thing is clear that Fomentos are scared of Cameras! As soon as Prerna Bindra and Rajendra Kerker started taking Pictures security charged at them. Immediately 1 of them came and then 10 and final number of security was 30! All to prevent two people from taking pictures of the lying Iron Ore.
Fometos response with its security was like it was trying to cover up murder secrets with investigations on freshly buried corpses! Oh yes, Fomentos perhaps has awaken to the fact that its mining practices in Pissurlem, Advalpal, Colamb and all other mines is actually equivalent of murder. Murder of water sources, murder of agriculture, murder of forest, Murder of people through inflicting lung diseases, many other variety of murders. It is happy occasion that Fomentos have finally woken up to its behaviour and actually want to actively cover up and hide from the press and public gaze through deployment of security!
We wish Fomentos all the very best in it's adventure to cover up and may nest time the number of security increase by at least, one more zero - it may increase from 30 to 300 per mine in Goa, for you have so much to hide!
Around 4.55 pm Action Alert was circulated on Goa Net asking people to call up Police station in Valpoi and cell contact of the Valpoi PI Vaigankar when Kerker and Bidra was still in custody of the Fomentos in Pissurlem. After public focus and frantic phone calls to police station, both of them including their driver was rescued at 5.40 pm when the Fomentos was forced to open their closed gates.
Then they were led by police to Valpoi Police station and they were there till 6.40 pm. There Company gave in written complaint of trespass against Kerker and Bindra, police accepted the complaint but yet to register the same. Prerna gave written complaint of indecent behaviour towards her by Fomentos staff. Valpoi Police Station was continuously being contacted by People all over Goa and even abroad. Police on the phone were repeatedly denying the charge of wrongful restraining Kerker and Bindra. Their denial is understandable considering the immense pressure they were under from Cidade de Goa as well from MLA Rane.
Surely, we do not know what Prerna Bindra is going to write in the paper that writes for, but your brave fight in Pissurlem is already an inspiration to us, for you along with Rajendra Kerkar have refused the pressure of 30 male security and management to hand over your cameras to their power and mights!
Struggle continues!!
Sebastian Rodrigues
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Rajendra Kerker, Prerna Bindra held hostage on Fomentos Pissurlem mines
According to the reports just received at 4.55 pm today Goa's noted environmental activist Rajendra Kerker has been held hostage along with Journalist Prerna Bindra of National Newspaper. Both of them have been surrounded on the Fomento mines in Pissurlem near Honda, Sattari taluka in North Goa.
They were on a visit there when the some people believed to be the employees of Fomentos' ILPL mining company have surrounded them and are not allowing them to move out.
Please contact Valpoi Police Inspector Shivram Vaigankar at his cell number: 9823225883 and also call up Valpoi Police station at 0832-2374255 and ask Police to act fast to release both - Rajendra Kerker as well as Prerna Bindra.
Shame Fomentos, Shame on your company and mining practices.
Sebastian Rodrigues
They were on a visit there when the some people believed to be the employees of Fomentos' ILPL mining company have surrounded them and are not allowing them to move out.
Please contact Valpoi Police Inspector Shivram Vaigankar at his cell number: 9823225883 and also call up Valpoi Police station at 0832-2374255 and ask Police to act fast to release both - Rajendra Kerker as well as Prerna Bindra.
Shame Fomentos, Shame on your company and mining practices.
Sebastian Rodrigues
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sesa Goa's illegal dumps in Pissurlem: No Action from Government
Even though Mamlatdar of Sattari Taluka ruled that mining dumps belonging to Sesa Goa mining company now owned by British multinational Vedanta way back on 24th June 2004 even after four years action to remove the same is yet to be taken. Here is the Text of the letter as it is addreesed to the Dy. Collector & SDO, Sub Division, Bicholim-Goa with subject Complaint against M/s Sesa Goa & Co:
This Office is in receipt of a complaint received from Shri Hanumant C. Parab & others agaisnt M/s Sesa Goa & Company in respect of Sy. No. 24/11 of village Pissurlem Satari Taluka.
After the receipt of said complaints inquiry was conducted through the Talathi of Pissurlem saza and as per the report of the Talathi, the property surveyed under Sy.No.24/11 is recorded in the name of Govt. of Goa, Daman & Diu and Shamba Govind Sinai Pissurlekar, Anusuyabai Anant Pissurlekar and Purushotam Sindu Kailo Devidas.
That though the said property is recorded in the name of Govt. of Goa and three others, the said property is not partitioned by metes and bound, and the share of each co-owner cannot be ascertain. That the said Sesa Goa Company have illegally used the said properties surveyed under Sy.No. 24/11 for dumping of their mining rejects without any authority/consent from the Govt. As such the said use of the property by the said mining company is illegal and against the interest of the Govt.
Your are therefore kindly requested to take necessary action against the4 said Sesa Goa mining company under the land Revenue Code.
Yours Faithfully
Sd/-
(S.F. Naik)
Mamlatdar of Satari Taluka,
Valpoi - Goa
Deputy Collector is not acting on this further. Reason of course is understandable as Hanumant Porob from Pissurlem, Sattari, Goa Comments: Concern officers like Arvind Bugde, the Deputy Collector of Bicholim are not serious on this issue as they are under the control of the politicians and mining companies and they are neglecting the public interest and safety.
Sebastian Rodrigues
This Office is in receipt of a complaint received from Shri Hanumant C. Parab & others agaisnt M/s Sesa Goa & Company in respect of Sy. No. 24/11 of village Pissurlem Satari Taluka.
After the receipt of said complaints inquiry was conducted through the Talathi of Pissurlem saza and as per the report of the Talathi, the property surveyed under Sy.No.24/11 is recorded in the name of Govt. of Goa, Daman & Diu and Shamba Govind Sinai Pissurlekar, Anusuyabai Anant Pissurlekar and Purushotam Sindu Kailo Devidas.
That though the said property is recorded in the name of Govt. of Goa and three others, the said property is not partitioned by metes and bound, and the share of each co-owner cannot be ascertain. That the said Sesa Goa Company have illegally used the said properties surveyed under Sy.No. 24/11 for dumping of their mining rejects without any authority/consent from the Govt. As such the said use of the property by the said mining company is illegal and against the interest of the Govt.
Your are therefore kindly requested to take necessary action against the4 said Sesa Goa mining company under the land Revenue Code.
Yours Faithfully
Sd/-
(S.F. Naik)
Mamlatdar of Satari Taluka,
Valpoi - Goa
Deputy Collector is not acting on this further. Reason of course is understandable as Hanumant Porob from Pissurlem, Sattari, Goa Comments: Concern officers like Arvind Bugde, the Deputy Collector of Bicholim are not serious on this issue as they are under the control of the politicians and mining companies and they are neglecting the public interest and safety.
Sebastian Rodrigues
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Pissurlem's mineral loot for Rs. 20 lakh!
This morning I got great surprise when I was just glanced the oHERALDo newspaper in Goa. On page 5 I noticed that small paragraph appeared with Pissurlem Panchayat being donated with Rupees 20 lakh. It says that this money will be utilized for the welfare of Society.
My second surprise was that the person who had handed over the cheque to the Sarpanch is none other than the man involved in mining activities. It sounds me as if the village was raped, looted and entirely destroyed in all the sides and now some notes of rupees are being thrown to buy some medicine or first-aids.
I would have been more than happy if all these miners who were and are involved in raping and looting the beautiful village “Pissurlem” and selling it to the international market to disclose all the revenue/profits earned in crores for over the period of time of mining in Pissurlem and let us know weather this 20 lakh rupees as constitute what percentage of the foreign exchange earned.
Albert Rodrigues
26.04.2008
My second surprise was that the person who had handed over the cheque to the Sarpanch is none other than the man involved in mining activities. It sounds me as if the village was raped, looted and entirely destroyed in all the sides and now some notes of rupees are being thrown to buy some medicine or first-aids.
I would have been more than happy if all these miners who were and are involved in raping and looting the beautiful village “Pissurlem” and selling it to the international market to disclose all the revenue/profits earned in crores for over the period of time of mining in Pissurlem and let us know weather this 20 lakh rupees as constitute what percentage of the foreign exchange earned.
Albert Rodrigues
26.04.2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Pissurlem, Mining and Living: Photo Essay
Hanumant Porob, an activist from Pissurlem shares the life of his village with visitors from Muscaurem, Sanguem on what will happen to their village: mountains will be scooped out and turned into ponds like these Pissurlem mines. Muscaurem is being ruined by Timblo mining company. Pic by Philip Neri de Souza (2003).
Once a green mountains but after 50 years of mining for exports it is moon's craters. Chowgules, Sesa Goa, Fomentos, Damodar Mangaljis and Salgaoncars are the chief culprits for destroying village agriculture. Local MLA Pratapsingh Rane have been supervising this for past three decades as Pissurlem is in his Parye Constituency. Pic by Philip Neri de Souza (2003)
This is 95 year old grandmother of Hanumant Porob. In 1950s she worked as a labourer on Pissurlem mines. But after the mechanization of mining industry she has been witness to misery of her villager. According to her not only human being suffer but the plight of animals is worse specially cattle are left with no grazing lands just as Humans are left with no paddy cultivation land. Its silt all over. Pic by Anjoli Bandopadhyay (2003)
This is Deepaji Rane, one of the critics of mining in Pissurlem. He posses before the natural lake that has been once source of water for paddy fields. But subsequently has been silted due to marauding mining industry. Pic by Anjoli Bandopadhyay (2003).
This is an adivasi family in in Dhatwada region of Pissurlem. Mining invasion have been threatening their displacement. Pissurlem village have been displaced twice in past 50 years already. Pic by Anjoli Bandopadhyay (2003)
This is a village member of Panchayat known as Panch sitting with village school children. Children education is completely disrupted due to mining. Government school in Sonxi have been almost under mining dumps. Tuberculosis and lung diseases are common in Pissurlem. Children lead highly vulnerable life in Pissurlem. Pic by Anjoli Bandopadhyay (2003).
Sebastian Rodrigues
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Pissurlem Chopper attack
Chopper attack on Pissurlem’s Pandurang Porob: an investigative Report with comments and analysis.
By Sebastian Rodrigues, NEST, September 2004
Pandurang Porob, resident of Pissurlem, involved in resistance movement against mining invasion of his village in Goa was attacked with Chopper by the group of 12 people on 4th September 2004 at 9.am.
At seven in the Morning Pandurang intercepted water tanker of the Fomentos mining company and demanded two bucket of water to his house. The driver refused to oblige. Pandurang told the driver to stop the water service. The local contractor is Sagun Wadkar, the former Sarpanch and presently a member of the Pissurlem Panchayat. His wife Saraswati Wadkar is the present Sarpanch. They are implementing the exploitative orders of mining companies-backed by former Chief minister and present leader of the opposition Pratapsingh Raoji Rane- bulldozing ugly designs of the mining companies across the throat of the villagers. The mining companies in Pissurlem hold Gandhi’s dream of Panchayati Raj ransom.
Two hours later, at 9.00am when Pandurang Porob was returning from nearby Honda village on a motorbike, he was charged against by group of 12 people. One of them attacked left side of Pandurang’s face with the chopper. With this Pandurang fell unconscious to the ground. Then he was hit again on his left leg causing injuries. He was bleeding when his friend and fellow villager Pundalik Porob happen to pass by and rescued Pandurang from the fatal consequences. He was rushed to the Hospital for treatment at Sankhelim and discharged after 24 hours after putting on the stitches on his injuries. When visited him on 16 Sept. 2004 he was unable to walk without limping due to injuries to his left leg.
The unruly mob then smashed his motorcycle out of anger. It was lying at the local police Station on 16th Sept. 2004 when then visit to the village was undertaken.
This is not the first time that Pandurang has been attacked in mining related violence in Goa. Two years ago too, he was physically attacked- though without any weapons.
Pandurang Porob is the Attorney of the Pissurlem Communidade- having administrative jurisdiction over the land admeasuring over 10 lakh sq.mts. in the village. Pissurlem is the only village in the whole of Sattari taluka wherein this kind of indigenous land owning institution survives. In the pre-Portuguese era the land ownership has been Social in nature known as “Ganvkaris”. Portuguese during the colonial rule renamed them as “Communidades”.
The three mining companies, which supply water to the villagers of Pissurlem, are Fomentos, Damodar Mangaljis, and multinational Sesa Goa. These companies do this because village wells have gone dry since mining pits has caused scandalous damage to the ecology. Fomentos mines have been closed due to Public pressure 10 years ago. Yet the company continues to supply water in tankers to the village. This is because it hopes to re-start the closed mine in Pissurlem for Ore extraction.
Water supplied to the village of Pissurlem is from the Well at the neighbouring village of Sonxi. The Contract of water supply is awarded to Sagun Wadkar, who earns Rs. 28,000/- per month through water trade from various mining companies. Wadkar invests this money in order to pay police and the locals who are emerging as the embryo of mafia in the mining sector in Goa.
Pro-mining lobby in the village for a long time dominated the functioning of Pissurlem Communidade. However after the takeover of the communidade by the group led by Pandurang Porob, it began to pressurize mining companies like Sesa Goa to stop encroachments and to pay up the remuneration entitled for mining which was never collected earlier due to well oiled nexus between the communidade officials and the mining companies. The income collected from the mining companies by the Pissurlem Communidades crossed Rs.1, 00,000/- mark last year. Though this is negligible amount when compared to the earning of the mining companies, still the companies decided to tighten the screws on the Communidade members.
Pandurang Porob was offered bribes number of occasions in order to allow free hand to the mining companies. To begin with the offer was of Rs.2 lakh. When this was rejected it was doubled to 4 lakh. When he again rejected this then he was asked to fill the amount on a blank cheque. Panduarang refused this too. With this refusal mining companies’ option of quelling resistance through money power came to an end.
The second option was to use the State Power. But this option became non-starter since Pandurang is an active worker of BJP who is ruling the State of Goa. Police could not be used to harass him and others in Pissurlem in the mining resistance movement.
The Companies deployed the third option of muscle power. After the assault company (Fomentos) is blaming the driver and the contractor (Sagun Wadkar) for the deadly attack on Pandurang. However Company has not dismissed the contractor till date. This establishes direct evidence for nexus. And even if the Company had to dismiss the Contractor, it does not escape from the responsibility for the attack- the Principle of vicarious liability applies in this case- for both the driver as well as the Contractor have acted in the service of the company- even to indulge in the co-ersive acts of violence. This development itself is violence.
Over 80 acres of agricultural land is silted in Pissurlem. Five years ago these fields were cultivated by the will power and hard work of the villagers. But then the famous floods appeared in 1999 (mining was the cause of the floods) and deposited nearly 1-meter deep mining silt in to the Agricultural fields. Since then there has been demands for de-silting. Panchayat wants The Mineral Foundation of Goa (funded by mining Companies) to clear the fields. The Mineral foundation of Goa has been dilly-dallying the proposal for obvious reasons. This field has been identified for mining excavation by another company- Damodar Mangaljis. Why will Mineral Foundation of Goa de-silt these fields? They have every reason to collaborate with the village Panchayat to hoodwink the villagers.
These fields has been historically providing highest yield in whole of Sattari taluka. Compensation is being paid by the companies in order to leave the fields without cultivation. This is the way Goa’s tickling bomb of food scarcity is nurtured in the mining –invaded Pissurlem. It is indeed safe to predict that future of Goa is Famine- thanks to the butchery of the agriculture by the Mining Companies- Salgaocars, Chowgules, Damodar Mangaljis and Japanese Multinational Sesa Goa (in the case Pissurlem). Development fosters hunger!
Political Parties like MGP, Congress and BJP who have following in the village have been funded by the mining companies. Once they come to Power they provide shelter to mining companies bulldozing common people. Take the case of Chopper attack on Pandurang Porob. When he was attacked, Police refused to act. Pandurang is the BJP Worker. Goa has BJP Government. Chief Minister is also the Home minister. Yet Police refused to act. The reasons are anybody’s guess. The next day on 5th Sept. 2004 BJP’s Poriem Constituency General secretary Hanuman Porob (also an active campaigner against mining in Pissurlem and the resident of Pissurlem himself-who had been imprisoned as school student due to his opposition to mining destruction of agriculture) tendered his resignation to Goa BJP President. After some parleys with the party leadership, Senior BJP leader visited Pandurang in Pissurlem. He gave same as usual politically evasive response “We will look into the matter”. But Pandurang himself does not believe his party’s top leaders.
It not the police action or inaction that is the subject of discussion over here. The discussion is about how politics is forged in Class struggle. National and Multinational mining companies on the one side and the common People, Peasants on the other hand. The power of the mining companies in Goa’s polity is well known. They create and break the government in Goa. Besides regularly abuse state machinery for its benefit.
The message that is sought to be sent out is vehemently signaling towards the beginning of violent private intervention in defense of the mining Companies- in the 52 years history of mining in Pissurlem village – which has witnessed displacement of the entire village 28 years ago. It may even be called contracted violence. The village is fighting second wave of displacement of Dhatwada ward.
Pandurang Porob is raising the issues not just of political party which is ruling the state of Goa, yet helpless to protecting it’s own workers from the violent designs of the mining industry; he is also raising the question of food security, processes and contests of control over land, water, forest and agriculture; the processes that are becoming increasingly dictatorial. “So much so that even to speak out and demand two buckets of water is taken as offence by the mining lords of Goa. This incident speaks volumes on the quality of democracy prevalent in Goa of 21st century” as Hanuman Porob puts it.
Though Pissurlem is the village of indigenous settlements, it is caged in religious beliefs. There are as many as 16 Temples- biggest of which was funded by mine operator late Dayanand Bandodkar, who has also been the first chief minister of Goa. Tremendous energy – in terms of thought and money is incurred towards these activities. Mining companies too promote religious activities all over Goa: for as long as you are religious minded, the mining companies can carry on the loot in undisturbed manner. Like many villages, Pissurlem people too are intoxicated with religious opium and allowing mining companies and industry to go scot free with the grave injustices to the village unity, prosperity, ecology and People’s economy.
Mining has 52 years of history in Pissurlem. Over the years mining has flattened evergreen Majestic Mountain of Western Ghats and exported iron ore and manganese to Japan, Germany, USA, China and other countries. Villagers’ wells have dried up without a single drop in them. Last year (2003) when I inspected Pissurlem well belonging to Vasudev Porob on January 25th, I found it dried-up. The development means deprivation.
People’s thirst for water was sought to be quenched by diverting flowing Mhadei river water through a cannel- that too has not taken off. Even if it had to take-off it would have not have addressed the twin issues of sucking up of ground water by industries like Ambey metallic Ltd and others, and scandalous 24 hour pumping out of ground water by mining companies in order to extract ore.
Ambey metallic Ltd. belonging to one Mr. Agrawal from Delhi is horrendous eyesore to the picturesque setting of Pissurlem. The loans of this polluting plant were written-off by Parrikar Government last year (2003), of coarse for the percentage to be in BJP fund. Besides taking water from Government subsidized Industrial Development Corporation (IDC); has dugged down four bore wells in its factory premises. This highly polluting industry releases its effluents in the village water ways ultimately finding its way into Mandovi river; whose water Government intends channelizing for drinking purpose in Pissurlem through cannels. Destruction through so-called development.
Rule of the mining companies, even through it is ruthless goes on chiefly because of ignorance and fear. Religion fosters ignorance: Dempos for example have been sponsoring for “ Novo Somar” the Hindu festival in Bicholim as well as “Pejechem Fest”, a Catholic festival in Siridona, Ilhas. Sesa Goa has been giving donations to a temple in Pissurlem. Villagers too, have demanded donations to temples. Fear amongst People was inculcated through 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule. Though Portuguese has left Goa in 1961, the fear remains unshaken.
Most of the intellectuals in Goa- both from natural as well as social sciences are either scared to speak out against mining someway or the other have become beneficiaries of the various facilities offered by the corporate in mining and allied sectors. Mining companies always have a major say in the educational affairs of Goa. The mining corporate even had representation on Goa University’s senate. Also in reverse the V.C of Goa University is reported to be on the governing board of mining companies sponsored NGO-The Mineral Foundation of Goa. Mining companies have sponsored various fellowships in order to co-opt the intellectual community of Goa: Dempo fellowship is one of them. Sesa Goa has sponsored-researched fellowship in Goa University’s Microbiology department. Dempos are the professional clients of scientists at National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, Goa. Besides mining companies has their own colleges and press- where to speak and write against mining is an act of rebellion. On the contrary intellectuals have tolerated naming of roads after mine operators i.e. road from Bambolim to Panaji via Santa Cruz. Mining companies not only has abused nature in Goa, but also caused tremendous inequality through this kind of economic terrorism. They don’t deserve roads to be named after their founders.
Though intellectuals in Goa are paid through state taxes, they are scarcely bothered about the problems faced by the common people like those under discussion in Pissurlem. On the contrary through their silence and collaboration with state (Which is the executive committee of the ruling classes i.e. mining companies) and corporate have caused enormous harm to the well being and welfare of People in Goa’s mining belt and other areas. It is time for people to rise up boldly and demand ruthless accountability with the academic community of Goa.
There is an urgent need to denounce the chopper attack on Pandurang Porob. There is an urgent need to rise up against mining invasion of Goa. There is an urgent need for us to be inspired by the courage, determination and fighting spirit demonstrated by Pandurang Porob and other courageous people of Pissurlem. There is an urgent need to offer support and solidarity with those resisting mining onslaught on Goa. Immediately, the Fomentos mining companies owned by Timblos must be exposed. This company also owns five star hotels– Cidade-de Goa at Dona- Paula, Goa.
When you finish reading this report – speak out, speak out with courage; and fire, at least to one person of your choice- may be your Daughter, Boy-friend, Wife, Mother, Classmate, Teacher, Neighbor, Relative, Driver, Cook, Friend, Colleague at work or just anyone else of your choice. Your small action like this today has the potential to bring about huge change tomorrow. So, begin. This is a Public Trial of mining in Goa.
Act Now! Think Now! Reflect Now! Transform Now!!
By Sebastian Rodrigues, NEST, September 2004
Pandurang Porob, resident of Pissurlem, involved in resistance movement against mining invasion of his village in Goa was attacked with Chopper by the group of 12 people on 4th September 2004 at 9.am.
At seven in the Morning Pandurang intercepted water tanker of the Fomentos mining company and demanded two bucket of water to his house. The driver refused to oblige. Pandurang told the driver to stop the water service. The local contractor is Sagun Wadkar, the former Sarpanch and presently a member of the Pissurlem Panchayat. His wife Saraswati Wadkar is the present Sarpanch. They are implementing the exploitative orders of mining companies-backed by former Chief minister and present leader of the opposition Pratapsingh Raoji Rane- bulldozing ugly designs of the mining companies across the throat of the villagers. The mining companies in Pissurlem hold Gandhi’s dream of Panchayati Raj ransom.
Two hours later, at 9.00am when Pandurang Porob was returning from nearby Honda village on a motorbike, he was charged against by group of 12 people. One of them attacked left side of Pandurang’s face with the chopper. With this Pandurang fell unconscious to the ground. Then he was hit again on his left leg causing injuries. He was bleeding when his friend and fellow villager Pundalik Porob happen to pass by and rescued Pandurang from the fatal consequences. He was rushed to the Hospital for treatment at Sankhelim and discharged after 24 hours after putting on the stitches on his injuries. When visited him on 16 Sept. 2004 he was unable to walk without limping due to injuries to his left leg.
The unruly mob then smashed his motorcycle out of anger. It was lying at the local police Station on 16th Sept. 2004 when then visit to the village was undertaken.
This is not the first time that Pandurang has been attacked in mining related violence in Goa. Two years ago too, he was physically attacked- though without any weapons.
Pandurang Porob is the Attorney of the Pissurlem Communidade- having administrative jurisdiction over the land admeasuring over 10 lakh sq.mts. in the village. Pissurlem is the only village in the whole of Sattari taluka wherein this kind of indigenous land owning institution survives. In the pre-Portuguese era the land ownership has been Social in nature known as “Ganvkaris”. Portuguese during the colonial rule renamed them as “Communidades”.
The three mining companies, which supply water to the villagers of Pissurlem, are Fomentos, Damodar Mangaljis, and multinational Sesa Goa. These companies do this because village wells have gone dry since mining pits has caused scandalous damage to the ecology. Fomentos mines have been closed due to Public pressure 10 years ago. Yet the company continues to supply water in tankers to the village. This is because it hopes to re-start the closed mine in Pissurlem for Ore extraction.
Water supplied to the village of Pissurlem is from the Well at the neighbouring village of Sonxi. The Contract of water supply is awarded to Sagun Wadkar, who earns Rs. 28,000/- per month through water trade from various mining companies. Wadkar invests this money in order to pay police and the locals who are emerging as the embryo of mafia in the mining sector in Goa.
Pro-mining lobby in the village for a long time dominated the functioning of Pissurlem Communidade. However after the takeover of the communidade by the group led by Pandurang Porob, it began to pressurize mining companies like Sesa Goa to stop encroachments and to pay up the remuneration entitled for mining which was never collected earlier due to well oiled nexus between the communidade officials and the mining companies. The income collected from the mining companies by the Pissurlem Communidades crossed Rs.1, 00,000/- mark last year. Though this is negligible amount when compared to the earning of the mining companies, still the companies decided to tighten the screws on the Communidade members.
Pandurang Porob was offered bribes number of occasions in order to allow free hand to the mining companies. To begin with the offer was of Rs.2 lakh. When this was rejected it was doubled to 4 lakh. When he again rejected this then he was asked to fill the amount on a blank cheque. Panduarang refused this too. With this refusal mining companies’ option of quelling resistance through money power came to an end.
The second option was to use the State Power. But this option became non-starter since Pandurang is an active worker of BJP who is ruling the State of Goa. Police could not be used to harass him and others in Pissurlem in the mining resistance movement.
The Companies deployed the third option of muscle power. After the assault company (Fomentos) is blaming the driver and the contractor (Sagun Wadkar) for the deadly attack on Pandurang. However Company has not dismissed the contractor till date. This establishes direct evidence for nexus. And even if the Company had to dismiss the Contractor, it does not escape from the responsibility for the attack- the Principle of vicarious liability applies in this case- for both the driver as well as the Contractor have acted in the service of the company- even to indulge in the co-ersive acts of violence. This development itself is violence.
Over 80 acres of agricultural land is silted in Pissurlem. Five years ago these fields were cultivated by the will power and hard work of the villagers. But then the famous floods appeared in 1999 (mining was the cause of the floods) and deposited nearly 1-meter deep mining silt in to the Agricultural fields. Since then there has been demands for de-silting. Panchayat wants The Mineral Foundation of Goa (funded by mining Companies) to clear the fields. The Mineral foundation of Goa has been dilly-dallying the proposal for obvious reasons. This field has been identified for mining excavation by another company- Damodar Mangaljis. Why will Mineral Foundation of Goa de-silt these fields? They have every reason to collaborate with the village Panchayat to hoodwink the villagers.
These fields has been historically providing highest yield in whole of Sattari taluka. Compensation is being paid by the companies in order to leave the fields without cultivation. This is the way Goa’s tickling bomb of food scarcity is nurtured in the mining –invaded Pissurlem. It is indeed safe to predict that future of Goa is Famine- thanks to the butchery of the agriculture by the Mining Companies- Salgaocars, Chowgules, Damodar Mangaljis and Japanese Multinational Sesa Goa (in the case Pissurlem). Development fosters hunger!
Political Parties like MGP, Congress and BJP who have following in the village have been funded by the mining companies. Once they come to Power they provide shelter to mining companies bulldozing common people. Take the case of Chopper attack on Pandurang Porob. When he was attacked, Police refused to act. Pandurang is the BJP Worker. Goa has BJP Government. Chief Minister is also the Home minister. Yet Police refused to act. The reasons are anybody’s guess. The next day on 5th Sept. 2004 BJP’s Poriem Constituency General secretary Hanuman Porob (also an active campaigner against mining in Pissurlem and the resident of Pissurlem himself-who had been imprisoned as school student due to his opposition to mining destruction of agriculture) tendered his resignation to Goa BJP President. After some parleys with the party leadership, Senior BJP leader visited Pandurang in Pissurlem. He gave same as usual politically evasive response “We will look into the matter”. But Pandurang himself does not believe his party’s top leaders.
It not the police action or inaction that is the subject of discussion over here. The discussion is about how politics is forged in Class struggle. National and Multinational mining companies on the one side and the common People, Peasants on the other hand. The power of the mining companies in Goa’s polity is well known. They create and break the government in Goa. Besides regularly abuse state machinery for its benefit.
The message that is sought to be sent out is vehemently signaling towards the beginning of violent private intervention in defense of the mining Companies- in the 52 years history of mining in Pissurlem village – which has witnessed displacement of the entire village 28 years ago. It may even be called contracted violence. The village is fighting second wave of displacement of Dhatwada ward.
Pandurang Porob is raising the issues not just of political party which is ruling the state of Goa, yet helpless to protecting it’s own workers from the violent designs of the mining industry; he is also raising the question of food security, processes and contests of control over land, water, forest and agriculture; the processes that are becoming increasingly dictatorial. “So much so that even to speak out and demand two buckets of water is taken as offence by the mining lords of Goa. This incident speaks volumes on the quality of democracy prevalent in Goa of 21st century” as Hanuman Porob puts it.
Though Pissurlem is the village of indigenous settlements, it is caged in religious beliefs. There are as many as 16 Temples- biggest of which was funded by mine operator late Dayanand Bandodkar, who has also been the first chief minister of Goa. Tremendous energy – in terms of thought and money is incurred towards these activities. Mining companies too promote religious activities all over Goa: for as long as you are religious minded, the mining companies can carry on the loot in undisturbed manner. Like many villages, Pissurlem people too are intoxicated with religious opium and allowing mining companies and industry to go scot free with the grave injustices to the village unity, prosperity, ecology and People’s economy.
Mining has 52 years of history in Pissurlem. Over the years mining has flattened evergreen Majestic Mountain of Western Ghats and exported iron ore and manganese to Japan, Germany, USA, China and other countries. Villagers’ wells have dried up without a single drop in them. Last year (2003) when I inspected Pissurlem well belonging to Vasudev Porob on January 25th, I found it dried-up. The development means deprivation.
People’s thirst for water was sought to be quenched by diverting flowing Mhadei river water through a cannel- that too has not taken off. Even if it had to take-off it would have not have addressed the twin issues of sucking up of ground water by industries like Ambey metallic Ltd and others, and scandalous 24 hour pumping out of ground water by mining companies in order to extract ore.
Ambey metallic Ltd. belonging to one Mr. Agrawal from Delhi is horrendous eyesore to the picturesque setting of Pissurlem. The loans of this polluting plant were written-off by Parrikar Government last year (2003), of coarse for the percentage to be in BJP fund. Besides taking water from Government subsidized Industrial Development Corporation (IDC); has dugged down four bore wells in its factory premises. This highly polluting industry releases its effluents in the village water ways ultimately finding its way into Mandovi river; whose water Government intends channelizing for drinking purpose in Pissurlem through cannels. Destruction through so-called development.
Rule of the mining companies, even through it is ruthless goes on chiefly because of ignorance and fear. Religion fosters ignorance: Dempos for example have been sponsoring for “ Novo Somar” the Hindu festival in Bicholim as well as “Pejechem Fest”, a Catholic festival in Siridona, Ilhas. Sesa Goa has been giving donations to a temple in Pissurlem. Villagers too, have demanded donations to temples. Fear amongst People was inculcated through 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule. Though Portuguese has left Goa in 1961, the fear remains unshaken.
Most of the intellectuals in Goa- both from natural as well as social sciences are either scared to speak out against mining someway or the other have become beneficiaries of the various facilities offered by the corporate in mining and allied sectors. Mining companies always have a major say in the educational affairs of Goa. The mining corporate even had representation on Goa University’s senate. Also in reverse the V.C of Goa University is reported to be on the governing board of mining companies sponsored NGO-The Mineral Foundation of Goa. Mining companies have sponsored various fellowships in order to co-opt the intellectual community of Goa: Dempo fellowship is one of them. Sesa Goa has sponsored-researched fellowship in Goa University’s Microbiology department. Dempos are the professional clients of scientists at National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, Goa. Besides mining companies has their own colleges and press- where to speak and write against mining is an act of rebellion. On the contrary intellectuals have tolerated naming of roads after mine operators i.e. road from Bambolim to Panaji via Santa Cruz. Mining companies not only has abused nature in Goa, but also caused tremendous inequality through this kind of economic terrorism. They don’t deserve roads to be named after their founders.
Though intellectuals in Goa are paid through state taxes, they are scarcely bothered about the problems faced by the common people like those under discussion in Pissurlem. On the contrary through their silence and collaboration with state (Which is the executive committee of the ruling classes i.e. mining companies) and corporate have caused enormous harm to the well being and welfare of People in Goa’s mining belt and other areas. It is time for people to rise up boldly and demand ruthless accountability with the academic community of Goa.
There is an urgent need to denounce the chopper attack on Pandurang Porob. There is an urgent need to rise up against mining invasion of Goa. There is an urgent need for us to be inspired by the courage, determination and fighting spirit demonstrated by Pandurang Porob and other courageous people of Pissurlem. There is an urgent need to offer support and solidarity with those resisting mining onslaught on Goa. Immediately, the Fomentos mining companies owned by Timblos must be exposed. This company also owns five star hotels– Cidade-de Goa at Dona- Paula, Goa.
When you finish reading this report – speak out, speak out with courage; and fire, at least to one person of your choice- may be your Daughter, Boy-friend, Wife, Mother, Classmate, Teacher, Neighbor, Relative, Driver, Cook, Friend, Colleague at work or just anyone else of your choice. Your small action like this today has the potential to bring about huge change tomorrow. So, begin. This is a Public Trial of mining in Goa.
Act Now! Think Now! Reflect Now! Transform Now!!
I LOVE PISSURLEM
Mining has played havoc
With the lives of people
With the agriculture
With the forest cover and its
microbe wealth
With workers
With the wells and water
With the tiger, fox and squirrel
With the nests of Mainah, Sparrow
and Parrot
With the habitat of snakes and
Calothes
With the fish, fishing ponds and
Frog
With the natural springs and its
Coolness
With the trees—big and small.
Mining has pumped dust
Into the lungs of neighborhood
Residents.
Mining has corrupted
Politicians and bureaurocrats
Mining makes joke
Of the democracy of my land.
I can’t remain in peace
And witness houses of Pissurlem in
peril
The mark of muddy flood-waters
Inside the bedroom.
Victimized and rendered useless
Coconut trees stand
Visibly half dead;
Roots unable to suck water from
the ground
High-powered mining pumps
Keep ground water table
Perennially low,
Twenty-four hours a day
Pumps on without a halt.
Educational infrastructure
So thoroughly humiliated
Mining dumps about to enter
classroom.
Tuberculosis, Bronchitis
Are but the routine death of the
living.
Once a fertile land
Today story of tragedy
Fifty years of mining
Is creating ecological refugees.
O my beloved…
Wake up!
Few economic tycoons
Have waged predatory
Onslaught
Against the planet earth.
A call to you
From common ecological
Community
Come,
Let’s together voice
The suppressed words of our
Chests
Let’s methodically tackle our
Mining enemy
Let’s with plan wipe out tears and
Misery
Let’s in courage move ahead
To heal the shattered ecology
Let’s move with precision
To accomplish our mission
Let’s in humility mingle with
People
Let’s preserve in our heart
Values of democracy
Let’s extend our hands
To bridge the gaps of generations
Let’s listen patiently the words of
the studious
Let’s immerse deeply
In the habit of study
Let’s dare to venture out
In to new lands adventurously.
Let’s keep in focus
Pissurlem as case study
Let’s remember always
Love and affection of
Pissurlem People
Food and shelter they
Provided us
Swimming in Mhadei river
Indeed joyful
And exposure to
archeological insights too!
Let’s prepare to respond
In the style of Liberation
Let’s do all at our command
For I love Pissurlem!
It’s suffering People
And natural charm…
Let’s not allow to be
destroyed,
It’s serene calm.
Sebastian Rodrigues
1st April 2002
With the lives of people
With the agriculture
With the forest cover and its
microbe wealth
With workers
With the wells and water
With the tiger, fox and squirrel
With the nests of Mainah, Sparrow
and Parrot
With the habitat of snakes and
Calothes
With the fish, fishing ponds and
Frog
With the natural springs and its
Coolness
With the trees—big and small.
Mining has pumped dust
Into the lungs of neighborhood
Residents.
Mining has corrupted
Politicians and bureaurocrats
Mining makes joke
Of the democracy of my land.
I can’t remain in peace
And witness houses of Pissurlem in
peril
The mark of muddy flood-waters
Inside the bedroom.
Victimized and rendered useless
Coconut trees stand
Visibly half dead;
Roots unable to suck water from
the ground
High-powered mining pumps
Keep ground water table
Perennially low,
Twenty-four hours a day
Pumps on without a halt.
Educational infrastructure
So thoroughly humiliated
Mining dumps about to enter
classroom.
Tuberculosis, Bronchitis
Are but the routine death of the
living.
Once a fertile land
Today story of tragedy
Fifty years of mining
Is creating ecological refugees.
O my beloved…
Wake up!
Few economic tycoons
Have waged predatory
Onslaught
Against the planet earth.
A call to you
From common ecological
Community
Come,
Let’s together voice
The suppressed words of our
Chests
Let’s methodically tackle our
Mining enemy
Let’s with plan wipe out tears and
Misery
Let’s in courage move ahead
To heal the shattered ecology
Let’s move with precision
To accomplish our mission
Let’s in humility mingle with
People
Let’s preserve in our heart
Values of democracy
Let’s extend our hands
To bridge the gaps of generations
Let’s listen patiently the words of
the studious
Let’s immerse deeply
In the habit of study
Let’s dare to venture out
In to new lands adventurously.
Let’s keep in focus
Pissurlem as case study
Let’s remember always
Love and affection of
Pissurlem People
Food and shelter they
Provided us
Swimming in Mhadei river
Indeed joyful
And exposure to
archeological insights too!
Let’s prepare to respond
In the style of Liberation
Let’s do all at our command
For I love Pissurlem!
It’s suffering People
And natural charm…
Let’s not allow to be
destroyed,
It’s serene calm.
Sebastian Rodrigues
1st April 2002
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