Petition on illegal mining in Sakhri-Velas, Mandangad, Ratnagiri

Shri Milind Balavat Nijsure
At post Velas, Tal. mandangad, Dist. Ratnagiri
Maharashtra
Date: 09.11.2010

To,
Shri. Madhavrao Gadgil
President, Western Ghat Panel
Sub: Facts of Velas-Sakhari Bauxite mine site Tal. Mandangad Dist. Ratnagiri.
Useful Land for Horticulture or Barren land.
Please refer to part of Mining Plan approved by Indian Bureau of Mines, Madgaon, Goa for Velas-Sakhari Bauxite. Mine. (Enclosed & marked Set1_01 - Set1_17 refer folder 01_Velas_Sakhri)
Please refer to 12.1.2.Existing land use pattern (Pg. 22) and 12.2.1.Land environment, iii Agriculture and V vegetation (pg. 25,26) which reproduce below for the case of reference.
12.1.2. Existing Land use Pattern: The lease area is in mound shape and top of the deposit is in the form of plateau. The lease area is mostly covered with late rite copping. About 8.10 HA is covered by pits and 1.09 deposit is the flat ground and surrounding area is having jungle growth and Mango Farms, Cashew, casuarinas plantation and Marshy areas (pg. 22,23)
12.2.1. (ii) The lease area is private land with elevated ground and is in mound shape without much vegetation.( pg. 25)
12.2.1.V The lease area at present is having thin vegetation and the land is mostly barren. There are shrubs and bus has that is sparsely located in area that is the vegetation. (pg. 26)
Please also see pg 2 of EIA report in which it states that " The entire lease area is a private waste Land " while 12.1.2 of mining Plan states that the deposit is in flat ground and surrounding area s having jungle growth and Mango Farms, Cashew, casuarinas plantation and Marshy areas. (Enclosed & marked Set2_01 - Set2_02 refer folder 01_Velas_Sakhri)
In 12.2.1 (iii) of Mining Plan (pg. 26) states "A present there is no agriculture activities in the proposed area except patches of Mango grove.
In 12.2.1.V (pg 26) states "The lease area at present is having thin vegetation and the land is mostly barren.
Thus it would be seen that it is contended that entire lease area is waste land and surrounding area is having jungle growth. However it is also accepted that in patches there is Mango Cashew, casuarinas plantation.
Please find given below is a table showing survey NOs. Area in HA, No of Mango/cashew trees and remark in respect of land under Mining Lease as per Mine Plan approved by Indian Bureau of Mines(pg. 3)
Survey No.
Area in HA
Plantation remarks
125/111
6-18-0
Received subsidy from Govt. under EGS Fruit Plantation Programme. Rs. 106506/-
110/1
12-53-0
Mango plantation 5 HA, Total 900 Mango trees.
122/12
0-77-0
Mango plantation 77 guntha.
110/2
1-13-0
Mango plantation 1 HA/13 guntha,
32/1
1-51-5
Mango plantation 1 HA, 51.5 gunthas.
122/9
0-21-0
Cashew plantation in 21 gunthas
Above table is indicative. (Enclosed above in folder Saat-Baara)
From the said table it would be seen that no. of Mango, casuarinas and cashew trees recorded in 7/12 from the Land Records for which subsidy was received by the owner of land. Also other land owners planted trees at their own expense and also does not cover trees other than Mango, casuarinas and cashew which may be there as natural forest. This proves "The entire lease area is waste land" is a false statement used only to obtain/renew mining lease. This aspect had neither been verified from records nor brought out after visit to the site by IBM or MPCB officers apart from RQP-Recognized qualified person enlisted / empanelled by IBM.
The whole chain of officers of IBM who had approved original and Modified Mining plan is liable for extreme punishment for derelictions of duty and also corrupts practices. RQP's who prepared these plans are also guilty of the offences as the officer of IBM and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board officers cannot escape the charge.
In 12.2.1.(iii) of modified mining plan referred above says that "due to late rite capping in the area, there is much less scope of agricultural activities in proposed area."
Everybody in the region knows that late rite- locally called "JAMBHA" is very useful for improving taste and quality of Mango. Plantation of Mango and cashew on above survey NOs. of Sakhari village still bear testimony to see and confirm.
It may be seen from table given under 12.2.1.(ii) (pg. 26) that 26.57 HA shall be degraded by mining while only 8.1 HA i.e. around up to 30% of degraded land shall be developed as green belt.
Ways and means should be found to punish all those who are responsible for this degradation of land and consequential harm to local ecology, as well as opportunity of earning lively-hood to all future generations who could support themselves in the region.
All adjacent ranges are green from top to bottom was observed by yourself during your visit on 04.10.2010.

Safety of Mines and other
Please find enclosed herewith copy of Inspection Report of Director of Mine Safety, Goa Region, (Enclosed & marked Set3_01 - Set3_04 refer folder 01_Velas_Sakhri)

and the report of the committee appointed by Maharashtra Pollution control Board.
(Enclosed & marked Set4_01 - Set4_10 refer folder 01_Velas_Sakhri)

Major violations as pointed by DMS in his inspection report are as follows.
Use of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery without permission. This is also in violation of Approved Mining Plan by IBM. It means explosive use in blast may be 50 times or more than planned.
Grossly inadequate staff to look after safely.

Poor record keeping. Only 100 out of 250+ workmen on roll in form Band D. That means if a workman whose name is not in form B meets with an accident company can escape legal liability.
Mine workers hutments were existing within 50 meter of working pit. These hutments to be shifted at least 500 meters from working pit. i.e. beyond danger zone.

Explosive magazine dually approved by licensing authority under the Indian explosive Act 1884 was mot maintained.

Now please read 5 above in conjunction with second point on pg. 5 of the Expert Committee Report. (Enclosed & marked Set4_01 - Set4_10 refer folder 01_Velas_Sakhri) It reads and I quote: "It was mentioned by the company officials that blasting is generally carried out during the lunch break when most of the workers are away from the blast zone. The company does not have the permission from the explosive department for carrying out blasting. It is reported that the blasting is undertaken with the help of the the approved explosive permit holder based in chiplun. They were not able to show neither the records of blasting undertaken in the past nor the details of the charge being used for the blasting."

Therefore f any explosive is smuggled out from this location to Naxalites or Terrorists there would be no knowing of it as there is no record and control.
Explosive being a sensitive subject, more so for this coastal area, it is unpardonable callousness on the part of State administration, risking the lives of unrelated citizens anywhere in the state.
The Report of expert committee appointed by MPCB speaks volumes. This may kindly be read once more to digest what the committee observed and recommended. In nutshell it tells us the attitude of M/S Ashapura...... that says "To hell with MPCB and its recommendations we can manage without them" In spite of this MPCB is not acting against the company - this needs investigation.


System Improvements :
Public hearing of which video recording is available with MPCB, a CD/DVD should be made available to Gram Panchayats in which the project is located within 3 days of such hearing.
Reports of Public hearing from Regional Office of MPCB o HQ MPCB or from Dist. collector to state govt. as well as reports from HQ MPCB/state govt. to MOEF/ Central Govt. should be endorsed to Gram Panchayat along with translated copy in regional language as the case may be.
Above modifications have been suggested because it has been observed that some of the major points raised do not find place in the report as those may be inconvenient to administration or project operator.
While granting clearance MOEF must deal with every objection raised during Public hearing and give a speaking judgment for its rejection.
A copy of MOEF clearance in English as well as its translation in regional language as the case may be put in Gram Panchayat in which the project is located.
It is also observed that there is practically no co-ordination between various inspecting agencies and Dist. administration i.e. collector, Dist. Mining officer of Ratnagiri inspected Velas- Sakhari Bauxite mine site and reported no violations of mines act while DGMS had pointed out serious violations.(Enclosed & marked Set3_01 - Set3_04 refer folder 01_Velas_Sakhri)
When we informed MPCB that the Mine is operating with MPCB renewals beyond Nov. 2009, they say "we have informed Dist. Collector and he has to take action." we are unable to find a solutions to this inactivity, hence all adverse comments against a mine or plant operator should be passed on to Dist. collector in case of mines and similar appropriate authority in case of factories/plants so that such authority cannot plead ignorance about such violations.
The Offices of DGMS, Labour Commissioner, E.P.F. Commissioner, Under labour Ministry, I.B.M. under Ministry of Mines and Factory inspectorate under State Govt. as well as central Govt. needs to be informed of this procedure.
Thanking You,

Yours faithfully

Sd/-
(Milind B. Nijsure)

GAKUVED letter to Union Tribal Affairs Minister on laws protecting tribes in Goa

To,
Hon’ble Tribal Minister,
Ministry of Tribal Affairs,
New Delhi.

29/10/2010

Sub: Non-implementation of The Scheduled Tribes and other
Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights)
Act, 2006 by Goa Government

Sir,

We wish to bring to your urgent attention the following:-
The inclusion of Tribes in the Scheduled List for the State of Goa was notified by the Goa Govt. in 2004 but till date they have not implemented the Tribal Sub Plan and declare the scheduled areas nor included them in V Schedule. As a result the land originally belonging to the tribes of Goa is acquired and sold in the name of development for the Corporate Sectors in mining, industries and real estates.

Goa Government has not yet constituted Forest Rights Committees in all the Panchayats of Goa (only 91 are constituted and remaining are pending). Also the Goa Government has not yet constituted mandatory Sub-Divisional Level Committees and District Level Committees anywhere in Goa as required under The Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights) Act, 2006. This has caused great hardships to Scheduled Tribes people of Goa as they are not able to file claims with the sub-divisional and district level committees.

On the other hand, Goa government is attempting to evict people from all Wildlife Sanctuaries, in Goa – even before implementing Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights) Act, 2006 - by declaring them as Critical Wildlife Habitats. This has caused Scheduled tribes of Goa great hardships. Due to this, people from the forest areas are currently revolting against the snatching away of their habitats and livelihoods by blocking access to forest to and their cattle by forest department by barbed wire fencing and dug trenches around the dwelling houses.

We urge you to urgently intervene in this matter and direct the Goa Government to undertake the following immediately:
1. To prepare, publish and implement Tribal Sub-Plan as per Schedule Castes & Schedule Tribes Order (Amendment) Act 2002.
2. To notify Schedule Areas as per the Schedule Castes & Schedule Tribes Order (Amendment) Act 2002.
To include Goa tribes viz Gawda, Kunbi & Velip in V Schedule.
To constitute Forest Rights committees in all the Panchayats of Goa State of The Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights) Act, 2006.
To constitute Sub-Divisional Committees and District level committee in North Goa and South Goa districts.
To dismantle barbed wire fencing and filling up of trenches in forest areas around the dwelling houses.

Thanking you,
Yours Faithfully,

(Durgadas G. Gaonkar)
PRESIDENT
C.C. to: 1) Campaign for Survival & Dignity, New Delhi
2) Bharat Mukti Morcha, Goa

Non-implimentation of Tribal Act

To,
The Chairman,
Parliamentary Committee
for Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribe,
New Delhi.

29/10/2010

Sub: Non-implementation of The Scheduled Tribes and other
Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights)
Act, 2006 by Goa Government

Sir,

We wish to bring to your urgent attention the following:-

The inclusion of Tribes in the Scheduled List for the State of Goa was notified by the Goa Govt. in 2004 but till date they have not implemented the Tribal Sub Plan and declare the scheduled areas nor included them in V Schedule. As a result the land originally belonging to the tribes of Goa is acquired and sold in the name of development for the Corporate Sectors in mining, industries and real estates.

Goa Government has not yet constituted Forest Rights committees in all the Panchayats of Goa (only 91 are constituted and remaining are pending). Also the Goa Government has not yet constituted mandatory sub-divisional level committees and District level committees anywhere in Goa as required under The Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights) Act, 2006. This has caused great hardships to Scheduled Tribes people of Goa as they are not able to file claims with the sub-divisional and district level committees.

On the other hand, Goa government is attempting to evict people from all Wildlife Sanctuaries, in Goa – even before implementing Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights) Act, 2006 - by declaring them as Critical Wildlife Habitats. This has caused Scheduled tribes of Goa great hardships. Due to this, people from the forest areas are currently revolting against the snatching away of their habitats and livelihoods by blocking access to forest and their cattle by forest department by barbed wire fencing and dug trenches around the dwelling houses.


We urge you to urgently intervene in this matter and direct the Goa Government to undertake the following immediately:

To prepare, publish and implement Tribal Sub-Plan as per Schedule Castes & Schedule Tribes Order (Amendment) Act 2002.

To notify Schedule Areas as per the Schedule Castes & Schedule Tribes Order (Amendment) Act 2002.

To include Goa tribes viz Gawda, Kunbi & Velip in V Schedule.

To constitute Forest Rights committees in all the Panchayats of Goa State of The Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forests Rights) Act, 2006.

To constitute Sub-Divisional Committees and District level committee in North Goa and South Goa districts.

To dismantle barbed wire fencing and filling up of trenches in forest areas around the dwelling houses.

Thanking you,

Yours Faithfully,
Sd/-
(Durgadas G. Gaonkar)
PRESIDENT
Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED)

Questions that millions of common Indians ask Mr. Obama

Press release from National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), Mumbai on the visit to India by USA President Barak Obama.

New Delhi, November 8 : ‘Change’ and ‘Hope’ were the two words which marked the election of Barack Obama as the President of United States of America. However, two years down the line, very little seems to have changed for the American citizens back home (as witnessed in the losses faced by Democrats in just concluded elections) and for millions across the world who are victims of the US economic, military and foreign policies.

US President Obama's on-going maiden India visit, accompanied by around 400 major US industrialists is about creating "50,000 jobs in USA" by writing up several agreements with India. Indian laws and practice permit the Union government to sign treaties and agreements with foreign countries without prior reference to Parliament, as already done with the India-US Nuclear deal and the Knowledge Initiative in Agriculture. Given the strongly pro-US stance of the UPA government, there are good chances that Obama will succeed. The Indian government is under the influence of big Indian industry in its approach and decisions, and this supports US policy of increasing trade and industrial links with India. US industry is sure to profit, giving Mr. Obama a much-needed political boost back home. And so would Indian big industry, giving Dr. Manmohan Singh a domestic boost when the UPA's flag flies at half-mast following CWG and other embarrassments.

It is in this backdrop that Mr. Obama’s visit to India must be seen more dispassionately and maturely, asking questions as to what his visit would mean for millions of ordinary Indians. It is unfortunate that the mainstream media, which is all too obsessed to portray his visit as the ‘most awaited thing for India’, hoping it will not only ‘strengthen our ties’, but will give a fillip to India’s place in the comity of nations in the 21st century fails to bring forth the deeper and real issues.

His announcements, in front of the US-India Business Council of a 10 billion dollar deal for GE and Boeing fueling the war machine of India and the destructive development might generate 50,000 jobs back home, but what about lakhs of livelihoods lost here in India? It is becoming clear that the ‘People’s President’ has no time for People. Business as usual for Businesses seems to be the prime motive.

If anything, Obama’s visit carries a hidden agenda, to further the profiteering interests of the US Corporations and it is clear that Washington is pushing its ties with New Delhi even narrowly than earlier in various sectors. It is undeniable that the President’s visit is overwhelmingly tilted towards the advantage of the American Corporations and the State.

The asymmetry of USA's insistence on corporate accountability in the recent Gulf of Mexico oil disaster with Obama's silence on corporate accountability in the Bhopal gas disaster of 25 years earlier is glaring. This can only be interpreted as successive Indian governments' agreeing to subordinate the economic interests of the vast majority of India's millions to the interests of corporate India, and its commitment to neo-liberal economic ideology.

We also feel that India’s increasing affinity with the ‘Global Big Brother’ is a cause of deep concern for all of who prioritize real democracy, equity and lasting peace in our relations with our neighbours. We warn of the need for a mature and realistic approach whether on the ‘war on terror’ globally or insurgency and Maoism internally, which must be guided by a people-centric decision making process in India and not pushed by US.

Today, the US has won over a large pool of ‘faithful’ foot soldiers in India ranging from bureaucrats, infocrats, technocrats to academics, economists, bio-technologists, nuclear scientists, political representatives, professionals, call center employees to even NGO’s and welfare organizations, who reinforce the subjugation, hegemony and greed of global capital, led by the US regime.

While Mr. Obama has called India an ‘indispensable ally’, he should also care to know what the indispensable priorities for the largest democracy in the world are. President Obama has a historic responsibility to undo historical injustices inflicted upon India and other developing nations by the imperialist policies of US and Corporations, and we call upon him to address these wrongs and inequities, while marking a pro-people shift in contemporary policies. For instance, at a time when the US itself is de-commissioning large dams and not pursuing nuclear projects domestically, should it not stop funding and supporting huge hydro-electric projects in India and elsewhere through various IFIs and other Corporations and respect the global opposition to nuclear energy.

President Obama has a mandate to change things, at least begin the process and if he wants to disprove the strengthening allegation that he is the soft face of the US corporate culture, this is the time. Otherwise, he will have to pay heavily for the ill-implications of letting corporations run loose, trampling people’s rights and interests. In sum, President Obama's India visit is unlikely to enhance peace, justice and democracy within India, regionally or worldwide.

Medha Patkar, Sandeep Pandey, Maj Gen (Retd) Sudhir Vombatkere, Roma, Gabriele Dietrich, Dayamani Barla, Sister Celia, Anand Mazgaonkar, Bhupendra Singh Rawat, Rajendra Ravi, and Madhuresh Kumar

for National Conveners Team

Contact : napmindia@napm-india.org | 9818905316

Chichinim oppose market complex in agricultural land

“After studying the SGPDA Market Complex at Margao, which is stinking due to organic waste, plastic and other garbage thrown in the surrounding fields and properties, and after studying the Garbage thrown in low lying areas during filling at Margao and Navelim l, we recommend that the Chinchinim Market complex cum Panchayat Ghar be relocated to the existing CRC football Ground, so at to save our Chinchinim Cemetery, Church, School and prime paddy fields”, states Mr Frank Martins, President of Chinchinim Citizens Committee.

The President of the Union of Chinchinim Villagers, Mr Joe .M. Furtado also states that Chinchinim, which is the birth place of many football players, deserves Stadium cum Market Complex with other infrastructure near CRC football ground since it is centrally located and will not disturb the environment in any way.

Mr Jerry Fernandes, Ex - Dempo Sports Club football player, is also of the above opinion and states that the present part filling which has taken place should be turned into a beautiful garden for senior citizen and children as a due respect to all our departed.

Mr Delano Da Costa, Vice-President of Chinchinim Citizens Committee and member of Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott, also in favour of relocation of Market Complex, and states that due to Global warming our top priority should be to save the prime cultivated paddy fields, endangered species of frogs, turtles and other Flora & Fauna, as well as our forests. The Departments of Water Resources, Environment, Forests and Town & Country Planning should have guided the Government not to construct the Market complex in paddy fields. “During this environmental and economic crisis, the policy of self-praise through laying of foundation stones on one's own birthday, should be stopped”, he has further pointed out.

The unfortunate farmers who are struggling in sun and rain to cultivate paddy fields are yet to be recognized, since the National Farmers Policy 2007 is not implemented by the present selfish Government, inspite of repeated requests. The politicians and bureaucrats are again requested to implement correct policies, before it is too late for Goa.

Meet to protest sale of Vanxi island

On Sunday November 7, 2010 at 4.00 pm public protest meet will take place on Vanxi island in Mandovi river, Tiswadi taluka, Goa.

This is the third public meeting over the past four months in Vanxi after local people shifted gears to accelerate the pace of their agitation after Goa Archbishop sold the island to one Mahendra Gaunekar, who in turn accepted huge sums of money running into crore to clean up the island of nearly 100 people and make way for golf course, 5 star hotel, spa, luxury villas and marina.

The islanders has rapidly build alliances with number of organisations across the state of Goa and taking on the might of politically and economically powerful foes that includes banks, industrialists, ministers, MPs etc.

Few weeks back local St. Mathias panchayat had witnessed noisy scenes after organised villagers caught the authorities on wrong foot over the issue of medical doctor forced on island by the Golf tourism promoters as an act of charity and public relations combine.

Islanders has received very good response from the people they contacted and even entered in the mainstream media in its coverage. Few days ago local TV channel Goa 365 aired an interview with local Sarpanch who was dismayed at the vehement protests by the islanders. he sought to clear the name of the Panchayat from involvement in any graft scandal related to the project. He declared that the Panchayat has not received any file of the project and blamed the former panchayat member from Panchayat - Domnic - of accepting bribes relating to golf course.

After television interview islanders visited Dominic's house at 8.30 am yesterday and grilled him thoroughly till 3.30 pm. tomorrow's meeting is expected to draw number of people from neraby areas - particularly from Cumbarjua constituency that is represented by Pandurang Madkaikar who is alleged to be one of the kingpins behind the conspiracy to impose Golf course cum 5 star hotel on the Vanxi islanders.

GOAMAP supports people of Vanxi island

Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) extends support to the agitating Vanxi island people against golf course, 5 star hotel, Spa, luxury villas and Marina at the behest of merchant capital interests.

GOAMAP is convinced that the dumping of these projects on the island will render the island people as captives of capital with violent uprooting from their rightful dwellings and cultivation spaces.

GOAMAP demands that all these projects be shelved and island people be protected from being displaced for the sake of pleasure trips of the super rich of the world.

GOAMAP takes strong objection to the aerial survey of the island conducted from helicopter flying over Vanxi island on November 2, 2010 allegedly by the promoters of the project. GOAMAP demands full fledged investigations to find out as to was responsible for the Helicopter to fly over Vanxi for the entire day.

GOAMAP considers the Vanxi development project as an act of colonial aggression by merchant capital on par with exploitation of Goa carried out by mining companies and calls upon people of Goa to prepare for the long drawn anti-colonial struggle ahead.

It is ironical that people of Goa has to brace up for anti-colonial struggle in the 50th year of Goa liberation. Goa liberation has not liberated the people of Goa but has given license to plunder to the local elites. In a way Goa has superficial liberation with core being 500 years of Colonial imprints.

Goa in exploitation has been going on through mining, tourism, industry, real estate and labour. GOAMAP believes in broad alliance of various exploited sections of people and in this context pledges support to people of Vanxi island in Tiswadi taluka.

13th Annual NEST conference invitation

NATURE ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY & TRANSFORMATIONS

(N E S T)

Email: ne_st @ rediffmail.Com

(ESTD: 1994)

13th Annual Conference

Green Movements,

Red Politics & The Blue Planet

on 17th, 18th & 19th DECEMBER 2010

Venue - SUBHEDAR FARM HOUSE RESORT

Banda- Vapoli Road,

Banda, Sawantwadi-Taluka, Border Town Near Goa

Sindhudung District, Maharastra.

Phone: 02363-270046. Mobile: 09421248455.

& Postal Communication:

1. 3^rd Floor, Nizmar Centre, Near E.D.C.Build., Atmaram Borkar Road

Panaji- Goa – 403001, INDIA. Mobile -.09764108540

2. 269, Pandavaddo, Chorao, Tiswadi, Goa - 403102

NEST is a non funded voluntary organization completing 15 years of its activities. It was founded by late Prof. Bikram Das Gupta, Department of Chemistry, Goa University. After serving the NEST for 14 years he passed away on 9th of January 2010.

The theoretical focus is holistic and interdisciplinary. NEST as an organization is an interface between the Academicians, Professionals, Activists, Workers & Common People to enhance and consolidate the understanding of the pressing problems. The group is also involved in solidarity meets with different groups of people threatened by development paradigm. Annual commemorations of Hiroshima Day, May Day and Environment Day etc. are other NEST activities. The NEST annual conference of 2009 did not take place due to deteriorating health of Dr. Dasgupta. The following are the themes of last 13 years:

1. “Nature Society & Transformation” at Peaceful Society, Madkai, Goa in 1997

2. “Development and it’s consequences” at Peaceful Society, Madkai, Goa in 1998

3. “Development and it’s consequences” at Govt. School, Mencurem, Goa in 1999

4. “Institutions, Ideologies & Knowledge Systems”, at Zantye College, Bicholim, Goa in 2000

5. “Science & Education in Historical Perspectives”, Kamaleshwar High School, Korgaon, Goa in 2001

6. “Dynamics of Order & Disorder in Nature & Society; Chaos, Systems Theory & Chaocomplexolgy”, at New Lead Trust, Kalyanpuram, Tamilnadu in 2002

7. “Peoples Resources & Resistance”, Madras Christian College, Tambram, Tamilnadu in 2003

8. “Indigenous People”, at SDC, Ranchi, Jharkhand in 2004

9. “Political Economy”, at Liberty Library, Mananthabadi, Kerala in 2005

10. “Women, Workers & Humanism”, Shikshak Bhawan, Pune, Maharashtra in 2006

11. “Translational Corporations People & the State”, Mahale Hall, Chorao, Goa in 2007

12. “Protected Areas & Heritage”, Kulgi, Dandeli Wild Life Sanctuary, Karnataka in 2008

Dedication:

This annual NEST Conference is dedicated to the memory of late Prof. Bikram Das Gupta, Founder of NEST who left us on 9th January 2010, he was the founder and an active Philosopher-Guide of NEST. Almost all the programmes of NEST were possible because of his active intellectual and organizing capabilities.

Main Theme:

GREEN MOVEMENTS, RED POLITICS & THE BLUE PLANET

Subtopics:

1. Green Philosophers: Early Greek Philosophers, Goutam Buddha, Mahavir Jain, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Martin Heidegger, Bhima Bhoi, Hanah Arendt.

2. Green Academicians–Activists: Chief Seattle, Henry David Thoreau, Rachel Carson, Chiko Mendes, Verdansky, V. Shaubeger.

3. Green Communities: Indigenous people, Bishnoi, Alekha, Tinai

4. Radical Feminist perspective: Vandana Shiva, Chipko movement

5. Pachakuti: Indigenous perspectives, degrowth and ecosocialism - Bob Thomson

6. Environmental issues, TNCs & the People: Politics of land, water, forest & climate.

7. Environmental issue: NGOs and the State.

8. Politicization of the Green Movements.

9. Greening of political parties.

10. Exploring the viability of a Green Party.

11. In search of Alternatives

12. The role of the Green movements to Red politics

13. Red political understanding of green movements

14. Marx’s ecology

15. The dichotomy of Red politics and Green movements

16. Radical politics and the Social and Political (ecological) history of Goa – in light of its Golden Jubilee year of liberation.

Any person is free to make a presentation on the main theme of the conference apart from above suggested sub-topics. The title and core arguments of the paper are to be informed to the organizers on or before December 01, 2010.

VENUE

This venue is essentially a farm house with lodging facilities. There are plenty of plants and trees with chirping birds perched on its branches covering 2.2 acres of land. The ambient atmosphere is conducive for such meetings

It is only 1km away from Banda on the Banda- Vapoli road tucked in a calm and cool environment. Telephone number of the venue is 02363-270046. Mobile contact: 09421248455.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF BANDA

■ Clad with dense forest and valleys of Western Ghats the Banda Town is situated in Sawantwadi taluka of Sindhudurga district of Maharastra near the border of North Goa and while coming from Goa to Banda, Subhedar Farm House Resort is 1km away from Banda Bus Station on Vapoli Road.

ENRICHED WILD LIFE OF WESTERN GHATS

■ Banda town Bordering North Goa is situated on the foot-hills of the Western Ghats which are historically recognized for its rich wildlife population.

■ More than 75% of the hill is covered by thick forests. These are preyed upon by mining companies, nuclear plants, and currently stiff resistance is offered in this Konkan region in Maharastra.

■ Weather : Temperature in the month of December: in Banda is around 24 to 28⁰C.

Approach to the venue: From the south, Pernem (Goa) is the nearest railway station which is about 12 kms away. From the north, Sawantawadi (Maharastra) is the nearest railway station which is 10 kms away from Banda.

Konkan Railway Trains from Mumbai moving southwards to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala come through Pednem and Sawantawadi. Local transportation from Goa and Sawantawadi are easily available.

Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (GOA) 70 kms, towards Banda.

PARTICIPATORY CONTRIBUTION

1. Includes lodging boarding, local transportation, sight seeing and registration fees.

2. Rs.1000/- (Rupees One Thousand only) to be paid on or before 1^st December 2010. Spot registration will also be accepted.

3. The amount may be deposited in the DENA Bank Account no 049910031172 (Jatin Naik) Verem, Reis-Magos Branch, Verem, BARDEZ, Goa. PIN 403114 OR in AXIS BANK, Account no 180010100001991 (Vilas Porab) . Mapusa Branch at Mapusa, Bardez, Goa PIN 403507. After depositing please notify the organizers at ne_st@rediffmail.com.

4. No provision for TA.

5. Email the registration form in the following format:

Name: ___________________________

Sex ______ Age _____

Postal address with email id & mobile no.

________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

Registration Amount deposited _______

in words _________________________

Date & time of arrival _______________

Coordinators of this conference:

Jatin Naik

S-41, Sonarbhat, Verem, Reis-magos, Bardez, Goa,

jatinnaik@hotmail.com

Mobile: 09764108540

M.C. Arunan

D-3, Gurukul, Sophia College Campus, Bhulabhai Desai Road,

Mumbai- 400 026, India

Email: mcarunan@gmail.com

Mobile: NIL

Phone: (Res) 91-022-23512560

(O) 91-022-2507 2224

Rajendra Gad

Department of Physics,

Goa University,

Goa 403 206

rajendragad@gmail.com

Mobile: 09423883169

Vilas Parab,

3^rd Floor, Mathias Building, Near the Court, Mapusa,

Goa. 403507.

email: vilasparab_10@yahoo.co.in , Mob. 09823994745

Sebastian Rodrigues

31/A, Marna, Siolim, Goa. 403 517

Email: sebydesiolim@gmail.com

Mob: 09923336347

Abstract of the paper must be sent by 1^st December 2010. Paper contributors are requested to send soft copies of their papers to ne_st@rediffmail.com

Abstract: The abstract (100-150 words) should contain all the substance of the methods and the results achieved. The abstract should be presented in such a way that it must be able to stand alone. References and non-standard or uncommon abbreviations should therefore be avoided.

Paper: The contributors are requested to send in the soft copy of their completed paper by 10^th December 2010 to the organizers at ne_st@rediffmail.com

Contributors of papers should avoid lengthy introduction, unnecessary ornamentalisation and peripherals. Views and counter views are encouraged.

Let a hundred flowers blossom, and a thousand thoughts contend.

Please mention the required time slot for your presentation (which may be changed upon situational exigencies).

Confirmation regarding participation, abstract as well as full paper may also be emailed to jatinnaik@hotmail.com, sebydesiolim@gmail.com.

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NEST encourages participants to present their papers orally and discussions thereafter. However those who need a LCD projector for their presentations are requested to intimate the organizers in advance.

Time table of the conference will be circulated to those who confirm their participation by December 10, 2010.

Note: All participants are requested to attend the conference activities for the full three days.

GOAMAP condemns police repression on women protesting mining in Bicholim

Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) strongly condemns arrest of nine women in Naveli, Bicholim on October 27, 2010 while protesting against illegal mining trade by overloaded mining trucks.

Nine women were detain by Police in Naveli includes Mohini Mangaldas Naik, Namrata Ramchandra Naik, Sumitra Dasharat Naik, Reshma Raghunath Naik, Usha Ulhas Naik, Bharati Ravindra Naik, Chandrakala Chandrakant Naik, Manik Gopi Naik and Bhavna Banudas Naik.

These women were protesting overloading of the mining truck by creating the road blockade. It is an irony that Police opted to arrest women protesting the illegal mining transportation and let the truck owners and mining companies scot-free. This incident concludes that police department has been involved in protecting illegal mining transportation. GOAMAP demand stringent action against the police officers involved in ordering arrest of women protestors from Naveli village.

GOAMAP also takes note of forced silt into the paddy fields of the protesting Naveli farmers by Dempo mining corporation currently owned by British multinational Vedanta thereby preventing the farmers from cultivating their crops. GOAMAP demands that Government authorities to act tough against Vedanta. GOAMAP also demands Cancellation of all the mining leases of Dempo Mining Corporation in Bicholim taluka.

GOAMAP extends support to the Naveli villagers resisting mining industry.

Revoke Forest Clearances, Environment Clearances to Goa mines

Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) demands the immediate revocation of all the Forest Clearances and Environmental clearances given to various mining leases in Goa.

The permissions granted by Ministry of Environment and Forest, New Delhi are hostile to the ecology as well as to the traditional economies of people and are based on false data presented in EIA reports. GOAMAP condemns the government decision to divert nearly 1282 hectares of forest land in Goa to mining companies during the last 5 years.

GOAMAP considers this a scandal and calls upon government of India to act decisively and cancel all the mining leases in Goa. The glaring example is the case of Borga Iron Ore mine at Rivona where in out of 71 hectares of the lease 66 hectares is forest that has been granted Forest Clearance by government authorities.

GOAMAP specially urges Minister of Environment and Forest, Government of India Jairam Ramesh to initiate measure and crack down on mining in Goa just the way he acted in case of Niyamgiri mines in Orissa.

Mining industry has been over running the state of Goa with high level political nexus and ruining the state of Goa everyday of its existence. Far more strict steps are necessary even though moratorium is in force on new mining leases; Operations of the existing mines are creating havoc. This is evident from the current unrest amongst people of Goa against mining industry.

In case Government of India failed to act and stop mines in Goa, situation will go out of hands with unpredictable consequences.