Tribute to Manjula Gawde

On 26 th November 2004 Manjula Gawde Sattari, breathed her last in Goa Medical College, Bambolim, after 22 days of relentless struggle to survive. And as soon as she was declared dead the hell broke loose. Villagers rose up in arms and her body was unceremoniuosly half burned amids scuffles and police interventions on the very next day. The uproar over her death continues. Newspapers continues to bring the stories, politicians continue to take advantage of the situations, Police cases have been filed against the villagers and even arrested, yet the murderers of Manjula Gawde has not been arrested though who the murderers of Manjula Gawde is the common knowledge. Oh! Police believe it is the case of sucide!

Manjula Gawde (18) was beaten up with injuries by the her employer Vinita Savaiker (A cloth vendor married to pigmy collector Sanjay Savoiker) along with her family members including her father-in-law Krishna Savaikar on 4th November 2004. Vinita has been bonded in the exploitative employment in as the domestic worker- as house cleaner and cloth washer at Rs.200/- (Rupees two hundred only!) per month or Rs.6/- (Rupees Six Only) per day for the past two years. Actually she had collected only Rs.600/- over this period. At around 5.00 pm. Vinita Savoiker, the employer of the Manjula Gawde strated beating her up with dog chains, wooden sticks and of course the kicks and slaps. (Though the findings of the post mortem report is yet to be astained, her dead body possed black marks of torture on her chest and tremendous swelling at the vaginal area). Vinita while beating up Manjula was houling "I will never be at peace till manjula is dead". Manjula's mother too who was present was not only beaten up (by banging her to the pole) along with Manjula but was also threaten at the gun point by Krishna Sawaikar (father-in-law who posseses licenced gun) that in case she informs the villagers or the Police then she will be shot dead. (This is the fear which kept Kasturi from informing the villagers about the beating up incident till her daughters' death 22days latter!)

After mercilessly beating up Manjula Gawde, she was thrown into the middle of Beetlenut Orchard (owned by Savoiker family) where she was forced to drink liquid Pesticides that was used to spray in the plantations. (Savaikar family owns huge plantations- Kulagar at Bhatwadi, Advai, forest property in Mhadei of Cashew plantations, property at Kumbarkhand, Vagurem and Savaiker Industries). Here Manjula spoke her last few words to her Mother "Ayee maka Chau dili punn mhaka ti bori lagunk nam" ( Mom, I was given tea to drink but it din't taste good). The reasons for the wrath of Savaikar family is not difficult to understand. Manjula is not the first girl to be mudered in this fashion in the last few months. There is line of Girls Murdered- Tanuja Naik, Anjana Shirodker, Maria Vaz... the common factor being that they all belonged to vulnerable sections of society where mega irrisponsibility galore; injustice and fear all pervasive.
After beating up, Manjula was dropped near the residence of Gawade family who leaves in the forest in small 4 by 5 mud house with no property of their own but 3 genetically affected either deaf and dump or both family member. At this point Manjula's father Chandru Gawde was beaten up by the Savaiker family and warned him to shut his mouth about beating up of his daughter.The Gawde family was ordered to give salt water by Savaiker family and then take her to on Dr. Amsheker, private practitioner at Valpoi in his private clinic. After treating Dr.Amsheker reffered her to be admitted to the Goa Medical College on 19th november 2004- after complete two weeks. In between she was also given treatment by another medical practitioner in Margao on the advice of Dr.Amshekar.

In glaring incident of travasty of justice Police has been siding with the murderers of Manjula. After the mob of around 1000 people burnt the body in front of the house of Manjula Gawde, the next day instead of investigating the perpetators of violence, police arrested Manjula's brother Rajesh and her Mother Katuri along with the villager Bablo Gawde; stripped them of their clothes in the lock up except their underwears (excluding Kasturi) and were kept hungry without lunch and dinner. NEST denounces this action of Police. Further Police has slapped criminal cases against 16 villagers on some fictitious charges like assault on Police arrested and released them. (Around 1000 people had battled the police on 27th November 2004, why the cases only on 16 people? To create situation of fear in democratic India?) But cases has not been withrawn. NEST demads the immediate withrawl of cases against all followimg 16 people. They are Suresh Gawde, Manisha Gawde (Manjula's Sister), Krishna A. Gawde, Bhagwant Babli Gawde, Prakash K. Vantekar, Naru Ramnath Gawde, Ranganath k. Gawde, Gurudas P.Gawde, Umesh P.Gawde (minor), Prashant P. Gawde (Minor), Amresh Anant Gawde (Minor), Vishnu Shankar Gawde, Bablo H.Advaikar, Kasturi Chandru Gawde (Manjula's Mother) Vishnu Sazu Gawde and Rajesh Chandru Gawde (Manjula's Brother).

The police are raiding the house of Manjula Gawde- on the average every third day. NEST demands immidiate halt to the already shocked family of Manjula Gawde. While Savoikar family has been enjoying armed police protection since 27th November 2004. NEST appriciate the efforts of the villagers to organise against the Police Raj of the facist regime in Goa which goes by personal loyalies and class interests of bourgousie and feudal barons of Goa like the savoiker family. NEST specially applauds marvalous efforts of yougster Sushma Vantekar in bringing about unity and consciusness about democratic right of the citizens.

NEST 10 member team offered solidarity and encouragement to the Vantem villagers and the Manjula's family on 25th December 2004, 1st and 2nd January 2005. Goa State of course had no time. Earlier it was busy in organising IFFI in 2004. Now it is Busy planning IFFI for 2005- of course advance planning helps. This speaks volumes for the defence and safety of women in Goa. Manjula Gawde was an adivasi girl belonging to Gawda tribe.

Sebastian Rodrigues
January 2005

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!!

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

Colamb villagers warn Fomentos of Nandigram-like situation

Colamb villagers today warned Fomento mining company of Nandigram-like situation in case it tries to break the unit of the villagers and villagers unity with number of organisations including GAKUVED, Goa Foundation, and Goa Bachao Abhiyan.

This warning was served to the Fomentos today afternoon when the company official Joe J. Louis, Executive Director of both Infrastructure Logistics Private Limited - dealing with mining on behalf of Fomentos as well as Cidade de Goa - 5 star hotel of Fomentos visited Sulcorna Don Bosco Society and tried to initiate 'talk' with the couple of villagers along with a Salesian Priest.

Joe J. Louis, according to Hanumant Porob of Pissurlem has been the brain behind getting Hanumant arrested due to his opposition to mining in Sattari. Fomentos have invested their profits into Cidade de Goa from the huge gains from Pissurlem mines letting its pristine beauty, water sources and Agriculture go to dogs. Fomentos is one of the culprits along with Damodar Mangalji, Salgaokars and Sesa Goa.

Today Joe J Louis was campaigning against Goa Foundation, GAKUVED, and Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) and asked the villagers to keep these organisations away and get into negotiation with the Company. These organisations according to Joe J Louis are funded by competing mining companies to oppose Fomentos.

Not only Mr. Louis does not want these organisations, he also does not want the rest of the villagers too for he knows that villagers angers will be enough for Fomento team to retreat back to Cidade de Goa.

Joe J Louis also informed the villagers that the son of his boss is all exited due to the negative publicity that has attracted its Colamb mines particularly on the Internet. He took name of Seby Rodrigues as amongst most hated by Fomentos.

Earlier South Goa Collector Gokuldas Naik faced wrath of the Colamb villagers on April 12 2008 when he was accused of siding with the mining company. Collector was told by Motesh Antao that Fomentos should carry on mining activity in Margao where its Public Hearing was conducted and not in Colamb. Collector was warned that in case Fomentos decides to resume Ore transportation then there is going to be law and order problem and he alone will be responsible for the same. Collector was questioned as to how in spite of Gram Sabha resolution opposing mining how can authorities permit this when Gram Sabha is supreme deciding authority.

Panicked Fomentos then decided to press emergency buttons and put their highest officials on diplomatic mission. he phone up Durgadas Gaonkar, President of GAKUVED, then he phoned up Sebastian Rodrigues but received no result from any of the calls. The day is not far when in case Fomentos does de-silt Colamb People's Agriculture then soon Silt will take its natural course into Cidade de Goa's Swimming Pools for tourists to enjoy with love from Goa's mines.

Sebastian Rodrigues

US Students on Solidarity cum Research visit to Colamb

US University Students visited Colamb, Sanguem for the purpose of Research and Solidarity with People fighting Fomento mining company for destroying their agriculture, forest and water sources. They toured the mines, interacted with the villagers and offered Solidarity. Their visit lasted for three days from 13 to 15 October 2007. They were on Goa visit supervised by their teacher Prof. Douglas who teaches semester course 'Social Justice, Peace and Development'.

Besides Colamb, they also visited Dempo mines in Bicholim. However they were prevented from taking pictures of the ecological genocides of Bicholim perpetuated by Dempos for the fear that the Company may get exposed in International media. Ramesh Gauns Accompanied students in Bicholim while Rama Velip facilitated the Colamb visit. Mand too was involved in this educational venture in the form of critical inputs. Here are their reflections sent to Reggie Gomes by their Indian cordinator David Selvaraj on March 28 2008:

Hi Reggie,

Excuse the delay in writing to you. I have been nursing a bad back. Unfortunately I have not had a written feedback from the students from the US. Let me reconstruct for you their feedback.

a. The topography was 'awesome' and to see the damage done by the mines was horrible. In other words it was important to recognise the beauty of nature that was being commodified.

b. The hospitality was incredible. This was a repeated message. The students were able to recognise that the hosts and members of the community were not doing what they did because of commercial value but because they respected and accepted the guest.

c. The students were also able to see the immense courage of the people in the village. They were able to see that the people were faced with a Goliath (mining companies) and yet the small "powerless" community were prepared to challenge the injustices.

d. The students also had questions about whether or not this struggle could be sustained. What is needed towards this end.

e. It lit the students head to know that the mines are catering for the Olympics. A classic example of how global capitalism works. How resources of the poor are being depleted and used for the benefit of a "global community"

f. The students were also begining to make links with similar situations in their own country. And today in many ways corporate interests rule America. Today America recognises a large number of the impoverished and do not want to accept that the current paradigm of development is not sustainable. Why then does India follow this path?

Trust this helps. Please give my salaams to the people in the struggle.

Greetings of hope and life.

David Selvaraj

1969 Sale Deed of Syngenta land in Dulapi, Goa

This is a copy of sale deed of land between the Indian Government and the Ciba of India Limited selling prcious adivasi land to the Swiss multinational company that is today - after series of mergers since early 1970s - have come to be known as Syngenta. The Swiss multinational is seeking to expand their Goa poduction but facing stiff resistence. At a recently concluded mandatory Public Hearing it faced number of uncomfortable questions. On April 10 2008 Dulapi villagers forced the local authority - Corlim Panchayat to stop work on Syngenta's TMX3 Plant that was going on even before it can get the necessary clearances from the Central government.

This particular document highlights collusion of State and Multinational company in getting land for itself at the rate of 25 paise per square meter on 24th January 1969 measuring around 7,53,840 square meters of land.

THIS INDENTURE made this 24th day of January One thousand nine hundred and sixtynine BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA hereinafter referred to as “the Vendor” (which term shall where the context so admits include his successors-in-office and assigns) of the One part And CIBA OF INDIA LIMITED a Company registered under the Indian Companies Act 1913 and having its registered office at 14, Jamshedji Tata Road, Churchgate, Bombai 1, (hereinafter called “the Purchaser” (which term shall where the context so admits include its successors-in-interest) of the Other Part
WHEREAS the purchaser being desirous of setting up an industrial project and to develop it further into an industrial complex or activities on all That piece or parcel of land or ground situated in the Villages of Corlim and Gaudaulim more particularly described in Schedule hereunder written (hereafter referred to as “the said land”) intimated the said desire to the Vendor and negotiated for the purchase thereof AND
WHEREAS the Vendor had offered to sell to the purchaser the said land at or for the price of Rs.0.25 P. (Twentyfive paise) per Square Meter which offer was accepted by the purchaser AND WHEREAS on actual measurement the said land is found to admeasure 7,53,840 Square Meters (Seven lakhs fifty three thousand eight hundred and forty Square meters) and the price thereof at the aforesaid rate of Rs.0.25 P. (twentyfive paise) per Squre Meter amounts to Rs. 1,88,460/- (Rupees One Lakh eighty eight thousand and four hundred and sixty only) AND WHEREAS the Purchaser has requested the Vendor to grant, convey, assign and transfer to the purchaser the said land and all the right, title and interest of the Vendor therein including the ownership rights whatsoever therein to the purchaser at or for the said sum of Rs.1,88,460/- (rupees one Lakh eighty eight thousand and four hundred and sixty only) which the Vendor has agreed to do NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH as follows:-

1. That in pursuance of the said agreement and in consideration of the sum of Rs.1,88,460/- (Rupees One Lakh eighty eight thousand and four hundred and sixty only) on or before the execution of these presents paid by the Purchaser to the Vendor (the receipt whereof the Vendor doth hereby admit and acknowledge and of and from the same and every part thereof doth hereby release and discharge the purchaser) the Vendor doth hereby absolutely grant, convey, assign and transfer unto the purchaser ALL THAT piece or parcel of the said land or ground situated in the villages of Corlim and Gaudaulim admeasuring about 7,53,840 Square Meters (Seven lakhs fifty three thousand eight hundred and forty) or thereabout more particularly described in the Schedule hereunder written and delineated on the plan thereof hereto annexed and thereon shown as surrounded by red coloured boundary line and the right, title and interest of the Vendor therein including the ownership rights whatsoever therein TOGETHER WITH the buildings, yards, courts, areas, fences, ways, wells, sewers, drain, watercourses, lights, easements and appurtenances whatsoever to the said land belonging or in any appertaining or usually held, used or enjoyed therewith or reputed to belong or be appurtenant thereto AND ALL the estate property claim and demand whatsoever of the Vendor in to and upon thee said land and every part thereof TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said land hereby granted, conveyed, assigned and transferred or expressed so to be unto and to the use of Purchaser forever subject nevertheless to the payment thereout of all land revenues or rather dues now chargeable upon the same or hereafter to become payable to the Vendor or any other authority or local or public body in respect therof.

2. The Vendor doth hereby covenant with the Purchaser that notwithstanding any act, deed or thing by the Vendor done or executed or knowingly suffered to the contrary, the Vendor now hath right and authority to absolutely grant, convey, transfer an assign the said land hereby granted, conveyed, transferred and assigned or expressed so to be unto and to the use of the purchaser in the manner aforesaid AND that the purchaser shall and may at all times hereafter peaceably and quietly possess and enjoy the said land and receive the rents and profits thereof without any lawful eviction, interruption, claim or demand whatsoever from or by the Vendor AND THAT free from all encumbrances whatsoever made or suffered by the Vendor.

PROVIDED ALWAYS and it is hereby agreed that the Vendor shall not be liable to the Purchaser for any claim made by any person or persons in respect of any interest in the said land or for being disposed from the said land by any person or persons.

3. And the Purchaser doth hereby covenant with the Vendor that in the event of purchaser intending to resell the said land or any part of portion therof which has not been developed and is lying vacant, the Vendor shall have the first option to purchase back the same and the right, title and interest of the Vendor hereby granted, conveyed, assigned and trnasfered or expressed so to be on payment by the Vendor to the Purchaser of the said price of Rs. 0.25 P. (twenty five paise) per square meter and that any re-sale by the purchaser in contravention of the provision hereinbefore contained shall be void.

PROVIDED FURTHER that the Purchaser shall have at all times hereafter the right to grant, convey, assign and transfer the said land or any part or portion therof to any company which shall be a subsidiary or an associated company of the Purchaser or a Company with which the purchaser shall be amalgamated for the expansion of the allied chemical industrial complex of the Purchaser and such grant, conveyance, assignment and transfer shall not entitle the Vendor to have any such option.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Vendor and the Purchaser have hereunto set their respective hands and seals the day and year first herein above written.



THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERED TO

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land or ground situated lying and being in the village of Corlim of Ilhas Taluka of Goa known as Molliem Manganddo and Dulap admeasuring 7,53,840 Square Meters (Seven Lakh fifty three thousand eight hundred and forty Square Metres) or thereabouts as shown in the plan registered in the Directorate of Land Survey, Panaji, under No. 18738 and bearing C. S. No. 7 (part) bounded on or towards the North by land bearing C.S. No. 8 and Gandaulim Village boundary, on or towards the South by the Panaji Banastarim road (C.S.No.21), on or towards the East by land bearing C.S.Nos.10, 11, 13 and 7 (part) of Corlim Village and on or towards the West by Gandaulim Village boundary and land bearing C.S. Nos. 6 and 7 (part) of the Corlim Village, situated in the sub-district of Ilhas, district of Goa.


SIGNED SEALED & DELIVERED BY

SHRI W.G.RANADIVE

SECRETARY REVENUE DEPARTMENT

of Government of Goa, Daman and Diu for and on behalf of

the President of India in the presence of

S.B. DESHPANDE, UNDER SECRETARY (HOME)

Government of Goa, Daman & Diu.

M. S. PRABHU

Director of Finance, Govt. of Goa, Daman and Diu.

SIGNED SEALED & DELIVERED by

CIBA OF INDIA LIMITED in the

presence of S. B. DESHPANDE,

UNDER SECRETARY (HOME),

GOVERNMENT OF GOA, DAMAN AND DIU.

RECEIVED of and from the withinnamed Purchaser the sum of Rupees One lakh eighty eight thousand four hundred and sixty only being the consideration in full within mentioned to be by the purchaser paid to me on the day and year first hereinabove written.

I say received vide challan No. 317/317/68-69 dated 24-1-1969

Sd/-

W.G.Ramadevel

Witnesses:

Sd/-

(S.B. Deshpande)
UNDER SECRETARY (HOME)
GOVERNMENT OF GOA, DAMAN AND DIU.

GAKUVED unit formed in Rivona Panchayat jurisdiction

GAKUVED regional unit was formed at Rivona Panchayat jurisdiction on 05th April 2008. Here is the copy of the minutes of this meeting held in Colamb part of Rivona Panchayat.

The meeting was convened by Gawda, Kunbi, Velip & Dhangar Federation.

In the beginning Shri Rama Velip welcomed the gathering and informed the gathering about motto of the meeting.

Dr. Shri. Avdhoot Prabhudessai from Colamb village has brought to the notice of the gathering about the illegal functioning of the Mines in Colamb village and urged the gathering to keep their unity and fight for their right.

Shri Pravin Sabnis has reiterated that Goa Bachao Abhiyan shall be always with the Colamb villagers to fight for their right. He also brought to the notice of the gathering that the Colamb villagers are the main sources of inspiration for him to support the anti-mining issue.

The president, Shri Durgadas Gaonkar has explained about the ‘Gawda’. He explained that ‘Gawda’ word is derived from the meaning that ‘One who established the village and administered the village’ is called Gawda. He stated that our community has direct contact with our motherland and we shall always defend our motherland. He has stated that GAKUVED was working in Colamb for the last one and half year to educate people of Colamb village about their rights. Today the time has come to come out in the public and to form the local unit of the GAKUVED.

Shri Minguel Braganza stated that the Colamb villagers are the best example of unity and to fight for the right. He has reiterated that you should keep your environment and safe and not to allow anybody to disturb your environment. He gave example of Pissurlem mines as to how the environment is disturbed by mining activities. He has brought to the notice of the gathering that the landowners, tenants and the villagers became beggars before the Mining owners and depends upon the compensation that is given by the mining owners. He requested the gathering not to fall prey to the allowances given by the agents of the mining companies and to keep their unity intact. The GBA will always stand to the side of the Colamb village and will support GAKUVED in their mission.

At the end Shri Rama Velip expressed vote of thanks.

The local unit of GAKUVED was declared in the meeting with Shri Rama L. Velip as President, Shri Umesh Bhatikar as vice-president, Shri Ankush Gaonkar as Secretary, Shri Suresh Kepenkar as Joint Secretary and Smt. Sulaksha Gaonkar as treasurer. Other committee members include Smt. Rutika R. Velip, Shri Rohidas Gaonkar, Shri Pravin Gaonkar, Shri Deelip Gaonkar, Shri Sandesh Shirodkar and Shri Sandesh B. Amolkar.

Now exclusive roads for mining industry in Goa!

As if the amount of land gobbled by mining industry is not enough for Goa's burden, State administration is planning exclusive new roads and by passes for the mining industry in this tiny State of Goa in India. Read the following document to believe how mining companies and the State administration sat together and took decisions to build new infrastrture for mining industry. They however are silent to mention as to whose land will be aquired. Adivasis already lost huge tracks of lands for the mining leases and this is going to be additional burden if roads are taken through agricultural fields and forests. But State Government as well as mining industry does not care for all this after all.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING REGARDING TO DISCUSS THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEMS AND OTHER MINING RELATED ISSUES ALONG PONTEMOL/MIRABAG ROAD HELD ON 14/03/2008 AT 3.30 P.M. IN THE CHAMBER OF THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE, SOUTH GOA, MARGAO.

The meeting was chaired by the District Magistrate and the following Officials were present.

1. Shri. P. M. Nagarcenkar, Mamlatdar of Sanguem.
2. Shri Nilu Raut Dessai, Dy. Supt. of Police (Traffic), Margao.
3. The Police Inspector, Curchorem Police Station.
4. Shri Santosh K. Naik, of M/s Smt Ahiliabai Sardessai, Kirpal.
5. Shri M. K. Bhagat, of M/s Smt Ahiliabai Sardessai, Kirpal.
6. Shri Subramany of M/s SMI, Tatodi, Sanguem.
7. Shri Manuel Da Costa, Tudou – Paliem, Sanguem.
8. Shri Amiya Kumar Pali, of M/s G. N. Agarwal
9. Shri V. B. Nair, of M/s Atmaram Palandikar.
10. Shri Pedro F. Dias of M/s Kunda Gharse.
11. Shri A. S. Patil of M/s Chowgule & Company, Costi.
12. Shri P. T. Naidu of Hiralal Khodidas.
13. Shri D. Veeranjangule of M/s Talaulikar & Sons (p) Ltd.
14. Shri Saroj Kumar of M/s R.R. Paiginkar.
15. Shri Manoj Paryekar of M/s B.H. Mavani.
16. Shri Gokuldas Naik of M/s Mineira Nacional Ltd. Cuddegal.
17. Shri C. H. Srinivasa Chary of M/s N.S. Narvenkar, Kalay Mine.
18. Shri Narayan M. Naik, Mine Foreman of M/s S.R.V.S. Verenkar.
19. Shri Rampukar D. V. of M/s Velingkar
20. Shri Sabale A.L. of M/s Velingkar
21. M/s Seva (Balkrishna Avade), Sangod, Sanguem.
22. M/s Marzook and Cadar Ltd., Dharbandora, Sanguem.
23. M/s Sosociedade Timblo Irmaos (P.T.I) Shigao, Sanguem.
24. M/s V. S. Dempo & Company Ltd, Dudal, Sanguem.
25. M/s V. M. Salgaonkar & Brothers, Algote, Sanguem.
26. M/s Amelia Figueiredo, Curpem, Sanguem
27. M/s Emco Goa Pvt. Ltd, Bimbol, Sanguem.

At the outset the District Magistrate welcomed the Officials present and explained that the meeting is basically convened on account of complaints being received from general public regarding parking of mining trucks on the road due to which traffic congestion occurs on account of restrictions of timings imposed for mining trucks entering the Curchorem Town between 7.00 A.M. to 8.00 A.M. and 1.00 P.M. to 2.00 P.M. pursuant to order issued by the Hon’ble High Court.

1. The District Magistrate explained that there is every possibility of public again approaching the Hon’ble High Court on account of traffic congestion being caused by parking of mining trucks on roads due to restrictions of timings between 7.00 a.m to 8.00 a.m and 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m pursuant to order issued by the Hon’ble High Court.
2. The District Magistrate further informed that P.W.D. cannot widen the roads beyond the acquired area and wherever possible the roads have been widened.
3. The District Magistrate also informed that the mining trucks can be detained at mining site and allow them to ply before 15 minutes especially at noon time so that they can reach at Curchorem after 2.00 pm. All the mining Officials present have agreed to stop the loading activities at the mines from 12.00 noon.
4. The District Magistrate informed all the Officials present to discuss with their higher ups to explore possibility of constructing a road from Uguem to Panchwadi (Capxem) through Mineral Foundation so that the same can be used for mining activities only and can be declared as Mining Road. Pending the decision for construction of this road, the District Magistrate suggested that at least the road of 4 kms may be taken up at the initial stages from Santona to Capxem. The District Magistrate informed that the process of acquisition of land shall be done by the Government on payment of cost and will be handed over to Mineral Foundation for construction of the said road.
5. The District Magistrate informed all concerned also to explore the possibility of acquiring 5000 sq. mts of land near Sanvordem Tisk junction for parking lot and repairs of mining trucks.
6. The District Magistrate also informed to explore the possibility of construction of road from Ambaulim junction to Tilamol junction bye passing Quepem Town for the mining trucks coming from Caurem-Pirla side.
7. The District Magistrate instructed all concerned that for the time being to strictly maintain the restriction of timings of mining trucks entering Curchorem Town from 7.00 a.m to 8.00 a.m. and from 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. especially during noon time.

The meeting ended with vote of thanks.


Sd/-

(G.P.Naik)
District Magistrate,
South Goa District, Margao

To,
All concerned
Through the Mamlatdar of Sanguem for service and return.

GAKUVED march (padyatra) against land grabbing

The Gawada, Kunbi, Velip & Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) has organised a March (Padyatra) on Sunday, 6th April 2008 From Kadamba bus stand to Old Goa via New by pass, Kadamba Plateau at 9.00 a.m

The march (padyatra) is organised to bring attention of Government and general Public regarding land grabbing and selling it to capital loaded outsiders.

The march is organised by GAKUVED under the leadership of its General Secretary Shri Pandurang R. Kunkalkar which will start at 9.00 am from Kadamba bus stand via New by pass, Kadamba Plateau up to Old Goa and will be concluded at Gandhi Circle.

It is appealed to the general public to participate in the march (padayatra) and show Solidarity.

Brave Colamb Women in defence of their land

Colamb women are in the middle of intense struggle against the mining companies and the State Police and other administrative bodies over open cast iron ore and magnesium mining in village in South Goa's Quepem Taluka. This photo essay is a tribute to their courage. It is a tremendous inspiration to those thirsty for justice and in search of way to get it. Colamb is an exemplary example to this effect.

Women on march on March 26, 2008 on Fomento mines in their village of Colamb when GAKUVED, Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), and Goa Foundation came to offer solidarity with the Struggle in defence of their land from mining invasion.

This Women Doment D'Souza got her hand injured while police tried to arrest her along with other women on March 25, 2008. She was one amongst 24 villagers arrested by Goa Police on that day for blocking mining transport.

Women have been marching inside Fomento mines. Rains have made the soil murky on roads hence had to march atop of fence.

Palmira Dias too was arrested on March 25 2008. Fer gold chain in neck disappeared during the arrest scuffle with male policemen.

Her ear is without earring. Her earring was snatched away by the police officials while arresting her on March 25 2008.

She speaks to the press about police collusion with mining companies and arrests of the villagers on March 25, 2008.

The daring Colamb women continues their struggle in spite of police repression on them. In fact every act of police repression has served to them further to fight.

Women maintain constant vigil on the mines, determined to foil every attempt of the administration and the mining companies to perpetuate crimes against villagers.

Sebastian Rodrigues