Press note on Vedanta Bicholim mime

Appeal No. 30 of 2024 has been filed against Vedanta Ltd Challenging Environmental Clearance to Bicholim Mines, Goa

These are the following grounds

Mining Lease wrt Survey No. 25 canot be enforceable. As Survey No. 25 is Lamgao Lake, a wet land. This can not be used as a settling pond. Mining in water body is strictly prohibited.(Rejoinder Para-6)

Vedanta suppressed its previous illegal mining in its present Bicholim Mining Lease Area. In response to the Para 4 ‘Miscellaneous’ 4.6 of the TOR, state of Goa gave in its clarificatory Letter gave false information regarding illegal mining. 

Lamgao Lake is completely destroyed due to illegal mining by PP. No action Plan in EIA to protect the Lake.

Vedanta Ltd was selected as the preferred bidder in the said auction for Block I Bicholim mineral block and accordingly LOI was issued to Vedanta Ltd. As per the MoEF&CC EAC minutes of meeting, in case of LOI grant it is classified as green field and hence in the EIA it has been mentioned as green field. There is no hiding of facts as alleged by the speaker/ goa foundation, as the earlier pits can be seen in the surface plan which is provided as plate no 5 of EIA. (1313)

No Cumulative impact assessment was done properly. Page-19

Suppression of presence of 13 lakes inside mining lease Area. PAGE -18,Para-2

The PP encroached upon the Communidade land without permission to transport the vehicles loaded with Iron Ore. Page-17, Para 12

No dedicated company's own road to connect 900 metre Public Road for Transportation of ore Page-15

Baseline data forged one, manipulated during corona Period page 21, para 4

Public Hearing not done properly. Google Map wrt the distance of venue not as close proximity of the PP Area. (Page-11) page-36

Bicholim river is completely silted due to illegal mining. No action Plan in EIA to protect it.(Page-17)

Adv. B. Ranjan Paramguru

Ramesh Gauns

Parasailing distrupts fishing in Zuari river

 

Reports have come in that parasailing tourism boats operating from Vaiginim Beach within Talegao Panchayat Jurisdiction is increasingly creating obstructions for small scale fishing communities.

Promoted from Cidade de Goa hotel currently operated by Tatas for touristic adventure scares away fish from Zuari river with the sound of high capacity motors upto 25 HP attached.

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union has already petitioned to the Tourism Department, Captain of Ports and the Fisheries Department expressing the opposition to the parasailing boats that sometimes intrude as interior as Siridao beach.

Tourism is Goa is has turned into menace in Goa and it is becoming menace in Goa's maritime waters too. This trend must be halted now.

Sand mining in Mandovi river as encountered...

[22/11, 10:06 pm] Sebastian Rodrigues: Two canoes illegaly extracting sand near Vanxim Ferry boat now at 10.05 pm.

[22/11, 10:36 pm] Sebastian Rodrigues: Cops from Old Goa came and stood at Divar Ferry Jetty at 10.30 pm. And said they cannot see any lights of the boats in the river. How can lights be seen when they are operating with light off?

Police concluded that no sand mining is going on and went back. 

They further Said that even if they had to see then they would not be able to do anything as they don't have boats to go the water.

Police said that at the time of complaining it must be told at 112 emergency service to relay message to coastal security police station. 

This response and behavior is expected from Old Goa Police Station as those carrying on sand mining in Vanxim are directed from the very same Police station.

Earlier it was proved that leakage of information to sand mining operators in Mandovi is continues through one of the Police personel.

[23/11, 12:12 am] Sebastian Rodrigues: Cops from the Superitendent of Superitendent of Police (Coastal Security), Panjim reached Vanxin Ferry point, Divar at 11.55 pm, full two hours after the complaint. 

They too came in Jeep but they had torch with them. They flashed their torch in the river and concluded that there are no sand mining boats engaged in their action against law.

On verification it was found that indeed sand mining canoes had gone away Vanxim Ferry point.

Police took leave at 12.00 am. On concluding note they said they have to attend another sand mining complaint call somewhere. They claimed they are doing this for the country.

BMM extends support to agitating Pilgao farmers against Vedanta mining plunder

https://epaper.heraldgoa.in/article/oHeraldo?OrgId=2211da0185cb&eid=1&imageview=0&standalone=1&device=desktop

Bharat Mukti Morcha, Goa Unit express support and solidarity with farmers and villagers of Pilgao village in Goa's Bicholim taluka who have blocked transportation of iron ore from their paddy fields for past three days.

The bold step of the farmers and villagers of Pilgaon found support from State administration after Director of Mines admitted that Vedanta mining company has no dedicated road of its own to transport iron ore in trucks.

Vedanta Limited had submitted in their EIA Report that the company has dedicated road of its own to transport iron ore to access 900 meters public road connecting Sarmanas loading Jetty.

Vedanta has neither formal nor informal agreements with farmers to use paddy fields to move-in mining trucks.

Few months back Goa's Chief Minister had used police force to clear farmers blockades of the trucks in paddy fields. 

This Bicholim Mineral Block  I has leased 872 hectares of land for mining purpose for 50 years. This includes inland wetlands consisting of lakes in Lamgao and Mulgao and tributary of Mandovi river in Sirigao.

The dangerous aspect that got revealed in the process is complicit role of MoEF& CC and its Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) to entertain false information in the EIA report because of reasons best known to them.

Mining in Goa continues to a scam. Rs 35,000 crore was estimated by Justice Shah commission to have been robbed off but Goa Government haven't recovered the amount so far.

Corporate hand behind Cumbharjua MLA Video advocating Vanxim- Divar bridge?

Cumbharjua Member of the Goa Legislative Assembly transforming into ammunition of corporate arsenals is not a new feature. There used to be one Madkaikar who played that role for Ozone Leisue private limited during his tenure.

These days negotiations are on between Delhi based DLF and Bangalore based Ozone Leisure Private Limited on Vanxim. Ozone who got Vanxim land in their name from the office of Goa Archbishop via Mahendra Gaunekar now attempting to sell off the same to DLF. This is one of the most notorious land deals by the office of Goa Archbishop in Goa Church history.

We note that DLF personel are carrying on visits to Vanxim these days and parallely Cumbharjua MLA has got video vocal to construct bridge to Vanxim from Divar threby by ruining both the islands. 

https://youtu.be/nPjMm6btyWM?si=--NQ7SPb7BeoZ4to

It's plausible that the MLA has taken briefs to do, so that  real estate value of Vanxim Island can be hiked. Considering the history of said MLA recorded officially through the complaint of Amber Timblo in mining robbery case in Sanguem such shaddy deal comes naturally as legacy.

None who played around with Vanxim were spared in the past and none will be spared henceforth, not even the Cumbharjua MLA. Earlier he realizes better it is for him.

Is is now pretty clear that corporate has put in place sustained advocacy campaign team that includes Cumbharjua MLA, Goa Chief Minister and more. Yet people of Vanxim and Divar refuse to tolerate their aggression and will be  countered appropriately, jointly, come what may. We dare!

It must be noted that People of Vanxim vehemently opposed Vanxim - Divar bridge idea at the Sao Mathias Gram Sabha on Sunday 10 November 2024. Opposition to bridge has rattled corporate intentions and we now see who is cleaverly defending corporate camp: Cumbharjua MLA! He perhaps believes to his peril that he can fool every one with his handful of kitty tricks.

Who believes in promises of Politicians? 

Why Deepesh Naik supports mining industry?

https://youtu.be/pXqNJqeo4Xg?si=DRhHmugpW9dhtNJO

Dear Deepesh Naik,

You are wearing T-shirt "Save Goa Environment" and talking supporting mining? Take a tour to note the way mining has destroyed Goa's environment for more than half century. You can meet Ramesh Gauns, Rama Velip, Ravindra Velip, Adv. John Fernandes, Shamsunder Naik, Gurudas Gadekar, Sharmila Naik, Dument D'souza, Hanuman Parab, Ulhas Gaonkar to know more. They reside in Goa's mining belt.

Do you know how mining has disrupted Goa ground water, silted rivers, destroyed agriculture? Go to Sirgao and see for yourself. Do you know how much is water requirement for washing of the ore? Kudne mining EIA report notes that it will require 95,000 litres of water every day. From where this water will come? Check water requirement for all the several mineral blocks auctioned so far and you will get the picture. Have you ever read even single Mining EIA report? I am asking you this so that you don't take environmental destruction caused by mining in as casual manner as you did on this video. Do you know how many agricultural jobs are destroyed by mining over past half century?

Please don't make such statements on mining by wearing T-shirt claiming to save Goa Environment. It's sheer hypocrisy. We have no objections on what you spoke on other topics regarding land conversions etc.

Objection is only relating to your views on mining. 

Sharing this message publicly as a response to your statement. 

Sebastian Rodrigues

M: 9923336347

Chorao island face real estate menace, whats way out?

https://youtu.be/S15BhdxHfhI?si=CS8ieU8P6tEBliAh

People of Goa has ignored particular piece of history that Goa is annexed by India through conquest due to veto power exercised by Soviet Union on 18 December 1961 at UN security council. 

Consequence of this blunder is that Histroy is set to ignore and erase Goa from the World Map.

People in fight for land, fight for Romi Konkani language, fight for culture. And ignore fight for education to know how international powers conspired to unleash oppression against local people of Goa.

As long as people of Goa will continue to neglect this fight for education mighty tides of invasion of land, language, employment, culture will not reverse. Goa  known for its peace will continue to permanent abode of restlessness and lawless laws that snatch away land, language, jobs and employment. 

What's happening to Chorao island is an indicator of the writings on the wall.

Who will care to mark Goa Veto day on December 18 to address foundational problem of Goa?

Illegal Sand Mining in Mandovi river

Date: 04 November 2024

To,

Captain of Ports,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Collector (North Goa)

Panaji, Goa

To,

Deputy Collector,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director,

Directorate of Mines and Geology,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Deputy Superitendent of Police,

Police Headquarters,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Superitendent of Police 

(Coastal Security),

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director,

Directorate of Fisheries,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Illegal Sand Mining in Mandovi river

Sir/Madam,

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) brings to your urgent attention rampant illegal sand mining at night at various spots in Mandovi river such as Chorao river banks, Divar island banks, Vanxim Island banks, Naroa river bank, Tikhazan river bank etc.

Sand mining has destroyed marine ecology and disrupted fishing activities as well. AGSSRFU considers sand mining activities detrimental to fishing based livelihoods as river bad is badly damaged through sand mining.

Kindly initiate steps to prevent illegal sand extraction, illegal sand storage as well as illegal sand transportation through cannoes, trucks etc. 

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello,

President

Laximan Mangueshkar,

Secretary

Parasailing boats disrupt fishing activities in Zuari river

Date: 04 November 2024

To,

Director of Tourism,

Paryatan Bhavan,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director, 

Department of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa, 

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Parasailing boats disrupt fishing activities in Zuari river

Sir/Madam,

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union wish to bring to your attention that parasailing boats operating from five star hotel named Cidade de Goa at Vaiguinim beach is disrupting fishing activities by way of both sound pollution from their high powered motors as well as by cutting off fishing gillnet spread out in Zuari river.

These para-sailing boats enter Zuari river water upto Cacra village waterfront. These para-sailing boats often carry their activities during day time - as two boats on 02 November 2024 at 10.00 am- as well as in late evening beyond 7.30 pm as was the case on 25 October 2024.

Fishing based livelihoods are negatively affected due to these para-sailing activities leading to loss due to tearing of Gill nets by the para- sailing boats. High powered motors fixed on these boats of nearly 200 HP generates high intensity sound frequencies that chases away fish from Zuari river. This problem is experienced from Vaiginim beach to Cacra beach fishing communities.

Your office is therefore advised to take urgent and necessary steps to curtail para sailing activities in Zuari river in the light of above submission.

Awaiting your action in the matter. 

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello 

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary

Fishing Report from Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India

Aghanasini river in Devgi village from where Portuguese ships loaded spices to navigate into Europe

I am on visit to Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka coast past two days to get to know the coast and fishing communities. There are many river connected to Arabian Sea in this district. Four major rivers include Kali, Gangavali, Aghanashini and Shravati. Each of these river banks hosts fishing communities just like Arabian Sea coast does. I had closer interactions with fishing communities representatives at Devgi village on the banks of river Aghanishini river. This river supplies sand to real estate lobby. Fishing communities themselves are involved in sand mining. Reasons for this scenario needs further investigation.

There are around 80 fishing cannoes in the village. Fishing activities are carried on in Aghanashini river as well as in Arabian Sea. Ambiga fishing community has major presence in the village. Their significant marker is throwing of casting net into the river waters by rotating above the head with remarkable ease to catch fish. There are many more problems that village is facing including ignorance of government schemes for fishing communities as well as laws governing fishing communities.

This village of Devgi and the neighboring villages is major labour supplier to Trawlers in Goa and Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. They suffer acute exploitation. Often when Trawlers are not getting fish in their nets then owners of Trawlers put workers under stress. This leads of fights on board Trawlers. There are often incidents go unreported of incidents when workers are beaten up and thrown into the Arabian Sea waters from Goa Trawlers. Trawler owners have their Union in Goa but they don't allow workers on Trawlers to form the Union. This makes position of workers very weak. This situation requires adequate attention and way out.

Also found that people come to near-by Gokarna Beach to perform rites of purification to attain peace to the soul of their departed family member. After the rite clothes on their bodies are discarded on the beach and new ones are put on. Old clothes gets washed into the Arabian sea water. Most of these clothes has plastics in them. Lots of clothes are lying scattered on the beach too which needs to be taclked and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) enforced for clothes as well as other material disposed in waters. It's gradually turning into an issue that needs attention and sensitive yet decisive intervention.

Glass bottles, broken bottles and other plastics items are gradually crowding the sea bed and river beds and neither community nor state response to reverse the situation is forth coming. There is no awareness on SSF Guidelines, Fisheries laws or ILO Convention 188 amongst fishing communities. Educational Institutions, Panchayats and Fishing organisations representatives who were present at the meeting are requested to work as team to build up awareness and form the Union of fishing communities in North Canara district in various talukas.

Response received at the meeting as well as with meeting with individuals has been overwhelming and promising.

I did share information, vision  and perspectives from NPSSFW experience over the past eight years from 2016 till 2024 in a snapshot with examples from various Geographies of India.

My visit was ably facilitated by my colleague Prashant Ramappa of NPSSFW to whom I remain deeply grateful.

Dr. Sebastiao Rodrigues

National Council Member,

NPSSFW

29 October 2024

Sand Mining Menace Back Again

Confirmed reports has just come in about massive illegal sand mining in Mandovi river in Goa at night near Divar island. We are not sure as to which politicians and police officers are involved in the sandy shady deals.

Sand mining is damaging healthy river fishing environment. Nearly 10 trucks loads of sand is stocked as of now at Chorao Mandovi river bank. Sand is extracted in cannoes manually with outboard motors as navigation enforcers.

When Living With Daily Rape Threats

Another Moumita Debnath tragedy in the making in Goa?

By Lucio Mascarenhas, Sangolda, Goa

+91 90829 78801

A neighbor attacked my family & home in Goa, on Oct 19, 2024, while I was in Bombay; he publicly said to send my 12 years old daughter out so that he could rape her. Oct 26, I found that he & an accomplice had lured an underage girl to a lodge & gang-raped her, Oct 4, 2024. I don't have direct evidence, nor info on the victim. Lodge's CCTV, I'm told, is retained for 30 days. If I report to cops, they will usually turn it against me. Yet, I'm against the idea of allowing a serious crime like this to pass unpunished. Oct. 27, I was told that the Perpetrator had boasted that he would rape all three of my daughters. I can't stay here indefinitely, but my wife is terrified. I want the police to arrest the Perp, but today's the 10 day, & no punitive action as yet. In absence of arrest, main Perpetrator Damodar Naik @ Vishant, & secondary Perpetrator Arun Naik are emboldened.

They're intimidating visitors to my house, even the electrician who came to repair my ceiling fan!

The Divar Manifesto

On 24 September 2024 several hundred people from Divar island submitted petition to the Goltim-Navelim Sarpanch to hold urgent extraordinary Gram Sabha to discussion several issues that calls of a seat at the table.

Petition was also served on Director of Panchayat as well as Tiswadi Block Development Officer (BDO). BDO responded quickly the next day on 25th September 2024 and directed Navelim-Goltim Panchayat to act under section 5 of Goa Panchayat Raj Act 1994.

Sarpanch of Goltim-Navelim Panchayat however has got Secretary Tukaram J. Naik to address the letter to the residents of Goltim-Navelim Panchayat that single issue of seminal importance was already addressed by the extraordinary Gram sabha called by Panchayat on 29th September 2024 even before villagers submitted the letter.

Even though single issue was addressed at the Gram Sabha involving 20 swiss cottages eco-tourism project near the Our Lady of Piety Church in land aquired from the communidade half a century ago the other 14 issues did not find the space to deliberate, discuss and decide upon at that Gram Sabha. They are therefore lingering as an open wounds of Divar Island and Goltim- Navelim Panchayat is totally responsible for this tragedy.

Indeed it is tragic case where in those who were elected to serve public are bossing over under delusion that they are masters. Ring leader of this autocratic gang is none other than Goltim-Navelim Sarpanch who is indulging in disrespecting Public requests thereby preventing empowered and informed development of Divar Island.

As a protest against the Goltim-Navelim Panchayat decision not to call for extraordinary Gram Sabha dealing with Village issue we share here all the 15 issues with you so that they are not pushed under the carpet by the Panchayat but remain alive in public memory to inflame daring yet wise actions as Divar Manifesto:

1. Diwar being declared as a Tourism Village by the Goa Tourism Department, under the implementation of “Tourist Villages Development Scheme 2021”  to be rejected outright .

2. Housing Projects in our Village to be strictly dealt with considering the carrying capacity of our Village.

3. Pilot Project for Mangrove Restoration in our Village on cultivable Khazan lands.

4. Eco Tourism Project by Goa Tourism Department in their property next to the Our Lady of Piety Church.

5. Oppose the construction of bridge linking Divar Island to Vanxim Island as announced by Hon’ble Chief Minister at the recent Bonderam festival.

6. Enforcement of the outer bunds of Goltim and Navelim by planting mangroves along the river banks to be taken up on war footing by utilizing the services of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority so as to prevent breaches in bunds.

7. The Water Sports activities approved by the Goa Tourism Department along our Village boundary in the river Mandovi

8. Demolition of illegal construction of MRF shed in Panchayat property without leaving the mandatory setback in the vicinity of Lord Redeemer’s Chapel. 

9. Filing of FIR against unknown persons for the unauthorized and rampant land filling taking place with construction debris specially along road side with the Panchayat authorities remaining silent spectators.  The land be restored to its original.

10. Inundation of Khazan lands in Goltim-Navelim by saline water.

11. Progress Report Card alongwith the list of Committee Members of various Village Development Committees of the Panchayat appointed for the betterment of our Village be placed before the Gram Sabha for discussion.

12. The sorry state of Public Utilities in our Village including regulated Public water supply, frequent Electricity failures, Speed Breakers and erection of Traffic Sign Boards, frequent Ferry breakdowns, non-availability Doctor during nights and other essential public utilities.

13. Mandatory registration of Migrant population residing in our village in rental premises.

14. Review of completed/ongoing projects specially those undertaken by outsiders and approved by TCP Department as the functioning of the TCP Department itself is under scanner.

15. Action on illegal encroachment seen on land owned by this Panchayat on Ribandar side next to the Divar-Ribandar ferry jetty.

Each of the above points are very important and deserve place on the agenda of Gram Sabha. Avoiding to hold Gram Sabha disrespecting hundreds of signatories indicate ulterior motives of the Sarpanch and other members supporting him including those from RSS.

People of Divar must take charge of the destiny of our beautiful island and not allow Mario Pinto and his minions to take islanders hostages with throttled voices. They must note that the day people will rise up their status will be powerless. Time to assert is now! Stranglehold of the nasty ones deserves to be shattered asunder now! We have nothing to lose except our misery and years! How long single Pinto to dominate Divar? How long he is to insult the islanders?

Pilgaon villagers checkmates mining loot of Goa

Villagers of Pilgaon, Bicholim stopped Vendanta limited mining trucks from plying on public road last night. They are permitted ore transportation upto 6.00 pm but last night it went past 7.30 pm. Backed by local Panchayat people came on road and blocked mining trucks from operating on Public Roads. It is very important steps by Pilgaon people to confront corporate loot of Goa.

Call to halt Iron Ore transportation on Public Road at leading to Sarmanas Ferry point

Risky Sarmanas road on 19 October 2024

Bharat Mukti Morcha is deeply concerned about risky situation developed on the Sarmanas road due to unsafe transportation of iron ore on public road leading to ferry point.

Iron ore transportation is being carried on from Vedanta Mines at Bicholim Mineral Block I causing Public Health hazards. Following spillage of ore on public road movement of vehicles and pedestrians has turned increasing risky.

Bharat Mukti Morcha calls for immidiate halt to ore transportation by mining company using Public Road leading to Sarmanas Ferry point.

Public Hearing as mechanism for Public Hostage: reflections on Cudnem Mineral Block VII

On 18 October 2024 Public Hearing for 75.30 ha of land for Cudnem Mineral Block VII was held at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhelim. Here are few reflections:

1. Absence of Project Proponent: Project Proponent (PP) Vedanta Limited is required to remain present during the entire proceedings of Public Hearing to answer the queries of Public on the spot as per the law. However in this case PP was absent. The absence of PP was confirmed by Dr. Shamila Monteiro the member-secretary, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) when the query was raised by Dr. Sebastiao Rodrigues, Convenor, Bharat Mukti Morcha ( Goa Unit) during his deposition. This means even though Public was speaking required presence of PP was not there to hear and respond. This procedural error renders entire Public Hearing process invalid. It is not known as to why North Goa district administration and Goa State Pollution Control Board followed faulty procedures. There were many requests asking for the presence of PP including one to provide definition of "seasonal nallah" that finds mention in EIA report prepared by Mineral Engineering Services based in Bellari, Karnataka. Villagers contented that such "seasonal nallah" doesn't exist on ground in mining lease and the flow of refered water stream is perennial and not seasonal. Hence reference "seasonal nallah" is an absolute fraud.

2. Invalid lease: It came out clearly through presentation of Sadanand Malik, former Minister in Goa Government who spoke powerfully for 30 minutes that the auctioned mining lease itself is invalid as Cudnem Communidade to whom the land belongs has not been consulted at all. Why mining leases are granted bypassing jurisdictions of Communidades in Goa? Land Revenue Code 1968 does not apply to Communidade land and extension of its Jurisdiction over Communidade lands in Goa is a mischievous act with ulterior agendas of undermining authority of village Republics that pre-dates begining of Portuguese rule from 1510. There has been across the board aggression against Communidade authorities and intervention at this Public Hearing by Sadanand Mallik is a silver lining.

3. Ten minutes per speaker: This is an arbitrary rule that has no basis in laws governing EIA Public Hearings in India. The Kudnem EIA has clearly revealed that the life of this mine is 20 years and the life of mining lease is 50 years. It is absurd that 10 minutes time is given per speaker is ridiculous to the core and reflects how Goa administration is in stiffled state of affairs by mining companies including Chairman of GSPCB being an ex-employee of Sesa Goa, subsidiary of Vedanta Limite who is a PP here. Entire system that is created is meant to favour mining company and Public participation of ten minutes inputs is a cruel joke. In this context we need to lauch resistence against these colonial practices afresh. It's a clear take away from the Public Hearing. Dr. Shamila Monteiro made exception to Sadanand Malik and allowed him to speak for half an hour till she herself was sent a note of warning from the behind the scenes actors. It's was all observed by Public. 

4. Aggression on Forest: 5.36 ha of Forest land is sought to be diverted to mining. Application is moved to the Conservator of Forest for the approval of land conversion. This trend of diverting Forest land fir mining purpose is dangerous and must be opposed. Goa has already lost huge amount of land for mining and several other projects and even the Indian Judiciary at the highest level has betrayed people of Goa on this count as evident from the way Forest land was directed and legally sanctioned by India Supreme Court led by none other than Justice Chandrachud himself who pronounced two contradictory judgements within span of few weeks. Judiciary is under control of deep State and that's only explanation as to why Justice Chandrachud betryed people of Goa and allowed Mopa Forest to be slaughtered. His role under reference will never be forgotten. This attitude of Supreme Court has shaken confidence of Public in Supreme Court as protector of Goa's Forest from projects like Airports etc. Truly despairing state of affairs. This has provided mining companies etc to go against Goa's forest even more aggressive. 

5. Water guzzlers: Need for 95,000 litres of water is per day for this mineral block VII as per EIA report presented. Can Goa afford to provide such a huge quantities of water for Mines?  Few weeks ago closeby another Public Hearing took place for Jindals - JSW Mines in Kudnem. What is the total combined water requirement of the two Mines? No data is available. Nevertheless the impact will be fully felt on ground on ecology and people.

6. Siltation of Agricultural lands:

There is already 3.5 meters thick layer of mining silt in agricultural lands in villages like Surla within mining lease due to irresponsible approach of Dempos as well as Sesa Goa, a subsidiary of PP and this EIA report has warned that further siltation will take place due to run off from the mining pits.

7. Highest level of Environmental Sensitivity: From the EIA report itself it is clearly noticed that there has been large number of rivers, lakes and wetlands within 10 kms buffer zone of ten kilometers. Only the maniacs can think of continuing mining of these lands.

8. Neglect of cumulative impact: Goa Government as well as Central Government is entertaining separate EIA reports for each of the  mineral blocks by single Bellary based consultancy firm named Mineral Engineering Services headed by M.S. Raju. Through their enormous influence they are committed to facilitate dismemberment and bleeding of Goa's soil for next half a century. They are carrying on separate EIAs for each of the mining blocks. This hides the situation where combined felt impact of different mining blocks could be calculated and projected. Cumulative mining impact studies are essential for Goa rather than separate one. This is so because of small Size of Goa 0.11% of India. Neglect of cumulative impact assesment is dangerous for the Goa in all ways - ecological, economic, social, political, demographic and cultural.

What is missing from the entire process is that there is no cumulative EIA for the entire State of Goa in terms of water consumption, water pumping out from the pits, siltation of Agriculture, Air pollution, ground water disruption, Damage to Public Health, Impact on traffic, Impact of sound pollution etc. 

9. Heatless EIA Team: We don't understand as to why Goa University and NIO are not entrusted to the tasks of preparing EIAs and some coglomorate from Karnataka is given this task for mining in Goa. There is not a single Goan in the team that prepared EIA and hence has the team has no interest of Goa at heart. The entire process of EIA preparation is colonial in nature. Merely having an office address at Dona Paula, Goa doesn't absolve Mineral Engineering Services of criminal intent to facilitate destruction Goa through mining. So far they have prepared EIA for all the Mineral Blocks Public Hearings held, so far VII.

10. The Way ahead: Current situation in Goa is such that People and ecology of Goa is held hostage even as Goa is host to minerals - iron ore, manganese, bauxite, sand. What are the options before hostages to move towards Freedom? This question needs to be resolved and needs concerted efforts, needs dialogues, needs conversations at various levels. This note is an attempt towards this direction, towards liberation. Let's go for it! Do your bit! Think through! Not so difficult! Always Possible! 

With heart in our chest, Care in our mind, Direction to our feet, let's move! Step by step towards victory!

Ecological sacrifice for mining: case of Cudnem Mineral Block VII in Goa

Its unbelievable that Goa Government as created mining lease Cudnem block VII with 5.3612 ha of forest land within. These are the times of acute ecological crisis and such disgust to note that Goa's forest is on the way go for Vedanta, British mining company.

Cudnem mineral block consisting of 75.30 ha of land is going for Public Hearing today 18 October 2024 at 10.00 am at Ravindra Bhavan, Sanquelim for both mining of the ore as well as beneficiation plant which is essential environmentally dirty bussiness of washing of the iron ore extracted from an open cast mining pit.

Mining lease covers Sattari-Bicholim border villages of Honda, Sonshi and Cudnem and have already experienced mining tragedy for several decades.

EIA and EMP reports put out in Public domain by GSPCB itself has observations that are damaging. The entire location of the proposed mining activities are in ecologically highly sensitive area and it have several watery features.

Para 3.3 outlines how many rivers, nallas, dams, lakes etc flow from distance close to the mining lease:

"Water Bodies   (Note: There are other several Water Bodies within 10 kms buffer area)  Harvalem water fall 1.65 km, Cudnem River 0.23 km, Mandovi River 3.88 km, Valvanti River 3.95 km, Anjuem Dam 9.72 km, Bicholim River 9.30 km, Mhadai River 7.32 km, Seasonal Nalla Near Khodginum Village 1.70 km, Seasonal Nalla within the Mineral Block, Within the Mineral Block Area PP Shall maintain 50 m buffer Dhakul, Lake 3.95 km, Taleshwar Lake 3.90 km Crocodile Lake 4.71 km, Mandodari Lake 5.76 km,  Batwadi lake 6.87 km, Ajobachi talee Lake 7.84 km, Banana Water fall Zarme 8.00 km, Cumbarjua Canal 8.08 km, Aerekere Lake 9.08 km, Advoi Nalla 8.00 km, Ragada River 9.6 km."

Wetlands too are listed:

"Navelim (Not Notified) 1.90 Betal Temple Lake (Draft notified) 8.86 km, Kolamwada Lake (Draft Notified) 5.50 km, Vijayadurga Lake (Notified) 7.91 km, Banastari 9.49 km."

Impact on ground water is noted at para 4.7.2:

"The mining operations shall intersect the ground water table as the deepest mine workings in the mining plan period is -10.5 mts. Therefore, it requires major pumping  operations."

EIA report is categorical about Impact on wetlands at para 4.8.5:

"There are few wet lands present within the study area of 10 kms radius. The nearest wetlands to the mineral block area are Navelim (IBA) : 1.90 kms, Betal Temple Lake (Draft notified) -8.86 Km Kolamwada Lake (Draft Notified )  -5.50 km Vijayadurga Lake (Notified) -7.91 Km, Banastari -9.49 Km

Major impacts of mining on wetlands are anticipated:

"Destruction of wetland habitat:

Mining can indirectly damage the Habitat & environment.
 Water pollution: Mining can pollute surface and groundwater with chemicals like heavy metals i.e., Iron, Manganese, and toxic metals.
 Degradation of growth conditions: Mining can degrade the conditions for growing wood, land vegetation, and water flora and fauna.
 Bird’s migration: Mining can cause wild species to migrate and reduce their numbers.
 Aquatic Life : Mining can also effect the aquatic life
 Reduction of wild-growing plants: Mining can reduce the number of wild-growing plants.
 Water pollution

Impact on population in buffer zone (Page 133) covered under para 4.9.1 as under:

Majorly water pollution will be the suspended matter which flow from the mine during rainy season into the nearby nallahs. There is one Seasonal nalla within Mineral Block
1. Cudnem river – 0.23 km
2. Harvalem Water falls – 1.65 km.

Major Health Impact due to dust on Habitation warned:

Respiratory diseases due to dust Skin diseases due to pollution/ dust etc.

4.9.5 Impact on cropping patterns (Page 135) is familiar admittance:

The mining activities may impact agriculture due to air pollution, flowing of silt in agricultural land.

Para 6.3.5.1 notes about ground water levels:

"Water levels in wells at varying distances all around the project area shall be monitored every month." This is major blow from Vedanta Limited will come onto ground water of the locality. It's huge price to pay and must never be allowed.

Para 6.4 of EMP has brief note about Reporting Schedule:

"The environmental monitoring report will be sent to Goa State Pollution Control Board on a monthly basis and MoEF&CC & CPCB on a six-monthly basis. Copies of the reports will be maintained at the Mine and will be made available to the concerned inspecting authorities like Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), GSPCB, MOEF &CC etc." It's clear that Public will have no access to the monitored reports while Impact will have to be faced by public.

Table 3.19 has a column titled Pre-mining use and area of land use of the mining lease of the total 75.30 ha. It has detail break up data of land use. Of this three items are significant:
1. Degraded by Pits & Excavation 19.757 ha
2. Degraded by Dumps and Material Standing 14.5936 ha
3. Covered under mine infrastructure 1.9582 ha

Together the above three items totals 36.12 ha which is more than 50% of mining lease minus 5.3612 ha of land under forest. So even though there is claim of pre-mining use the land is already used for mining.

Para 2.6.4 of EIA details out sourcing of daily requirements of 95 KLD for mining purpose. Daily 10 KLD will be sourced from buffer villages wells. Closest 5 kms radius buffer zone village list given as under:

1. Poriem
2. Podocem
3. Arvelem
4. Virdi
5. Sanquelim
6. Amona
7. Navelim
8. Surla
9. Bonus
10. Pissurlem
11. Honda
12. Valvai
13. Velguem
14. Saleli
15. Morlem
Life of the mine mentioned in EIA as 20 years and life of the lease is 50 years. This means all the above mentioned 15 villages will be sucked of water directly daily for decades to come. Is this sacrifice worth doing for the sake of profit of single mining company?

Vedanta has put in its application to Forest department for conversion of forest land to mining purpose. It has also applied to Water Resources Department to pump water out from existing mining pit that was originally operated by Dempos till sold off to Sesa Goa, a subsidiary company of Vedanta.

Vedanta has carried on need based survey for SC/ST population in buffer zone of 10 kms but usurped SC land within mining leased hence its a stolen land and litigations are in the court of law even though EIA report denies this fact.

Cudnem mineral Block VII is one more step towards Goa's ecological destruction through mining blunders.

Goa is too precious and worth fighting for, worth burning mid-night lamp for the sake of life with dignity and freedom. Let's go forth boldly!

Towards Achievable Peace Agenda in Goa

Subhas Velingkar, chief RSS functionaries in Goa is booked under section 299 BNS 2023 at Bicholim Police Station last night after protests in Margao and on online platforms against his hateful speech three days ago in Bicholim. Speech involved controversial statements on St. Francis Xavier's incorrupt body at the Basillica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa.

His Konkani Speech was uploaded online and made available in public domain invoking widespread disapproval of his controversial positions that included demand for DNA test of St. Francis Xavier's "corpse" and shifting of his remains from Goa to Spain. Velingkar who has been active in brahmin-defence organisation known as RSS is known for his spiteful speeches directed towards religious controversies.

RSS was set up century ago as a militant cover providing buffer to Brahamin caste people as its original hidden agenda. They wear khaki uniforms, short pants, lathi in hand and hitler salute at their parade grounds. It's top leadership always stays with Brahmin males whose DNA doesn't match with any other caste in India indicating that they are ancient foreign invaders in India, formed graded inequality by way of Varna system and were always opposed to Dr. B.R.Ambedkar. DNA study was carried on decade ago by team of International Scholar led by Michael Bamshad of Utah University and research findings put out in public domain.

And as per demand of Subhas Velingkar dead Saint with foreign DNA cannot rest in India as Goecho Saib due to nationality question how can brahmin males with DNA that doesn't match with any other males in India continue to reside in India? Hon. Waman Meshram has been raising this issue across India over the past one decade and DNA of Brahmins and their foreign origin is already well established beyond doubt. The point is just because Brahmin male DNA are proved to be foreign to India should demand be raised to send brahmins outside India's borders to places in the World where their DNA matches? How would Subhas Velingkar and his RSS will respond if demand like this is raised when their organisation itself is founded and perpetuated for the safety and defence of Brahmins?

Nationality issue of Goa is well articulated by Supreme Court of India as "annexed through conquest" even though it is trumpeted as Liberation by the likes of Subhas Velingkar.

RSS has numerous offshoot organisations and BJP is one of them through with brahminical agenda is sought to be pushed on. It recruits its caders from lower castes, brainwashed thoroughly and released in society to create communal tensions.

There are historical findings that St. Francis Xavier himself was persecuted by brahmins during his lifetime. One night when pursued St. Francis Xavier hid on top of the tree at night. He has performed miracle of bringing dead person to life in order to win the faith of the local people who then converted to Catholic faith. It is therefore no surprise that RSS is still insecure with dead St. Francis Xavier many centuries ago. The fact remains in black and white that the religious philosophy and practice of faith that St. Francis Xavier lived and died for is completely hostile to Brahminical religion that declared every local man and woman as slave "shudra" as per manusmriti. St. Francis Xavier functioned with Grace of God and as per beliefs he has special mission for which his body stays in Goa.

RSS functions through setting up of various local level organisations known as Shakhas across India. Subhas Velingkar has been instrumental in setting up these organisational units in different parts of Goa. He traveled widely and trained large number of people to carry on hateful mission. One example is Divar Island. Over the past two decades Velingkar has been frequent visitor to conduct RSS cader camps injecting ideological poison in minds of vulnerable people.

The fruit of Velingkar's efforts are visible in rather stark manner in Divar. Handful of RSS functionaries has taken over management of St. Aloysius School on the island and carry on indoctrination program. Another non-Goan RSS functionary from Maharashtra who resides just opposite St. Aloysious School has taken over management of Divar crematorium.

School management ensures very strict compliance to communal agenda. No one associated with PTA of school is allowed to participate in Divar Bonderam festival floats prompting religious harmony. Few parents who participated in Bonderam few years back were warned by School management in a special and compliance to communal policies were ensured by threats of expelling their children studying at St. Aloysious School. When parents questioned on fact that Ganesh immersion in Divar cannot be carried on without catholic participation RSS functionary on school management turned red fazed and threatened parents of expulsion of their children.

RSS functionaries are also about to take over Navelim-Goltim Panchayat. Currently they are in preparatory stage and are in ruling camp backing Mario Pinto. If sufficient attention is not paid then it is just a matter of time that RSS will also take over the Panchayat.

RSS is active is St. Mathias Panchayat as well and their activities there needs careful examination and scanning. There they used Shivaji card and installed statue in front of the Panchayat. They haven't examined the role Portuguese played when Mughals were after his father and how Portuguese acted in those moments. RSS is also behind pushing Gram Sabha resolution for Bridge connecting Divar to Vanxim Island for corporate benefits. Sao Mathias Panchayat just had non-confidence motion against the sitting Sarpanch Supriya Tari. New Sarpanch role needs careful vigilance.

Subhas Velingkar has quality of arm twisting corporates to further their agenda. The way Subhas Velingkar went about hijacking anti-mining movement in Bicholim is worth examining. He got involved against agitation against Dempo Mines in Lamgao village many years ago. Then took over the leadership of the movement. After that compromised with Dempos after extracting enough funds to construct their educational institution names after Hedgewar in Panjim. Agitation against mining was withdrawn. Local people betrayed. Ecology destroyed.

Subhas Velingkar's comments provides us with opportunity to examine and addresses cancerous growth in our society promoted by RSS and their functionaries all over Goa in cities and villages. Its an occasion to know them, understand them and combat them. They operate in complex manner but can be traced effectively and exposed with the blessings of St. Francis Xavier.

We need to expand horizons of our vigilance to all over Goa, to all that RSS does and confront their role as springs of hatred, disharmony at the service of a the destructive projects and  promotion ecocide of Goa.

We begin with Divar island and name RSS functionaries here in Public Interests: Shindolkar and Sarvesh These two people constitute RSS leadership in Divar island who directs clandastine divisive agenda and close collaborators of Subhas Velingkar.

Let's profile RSS functionaries village by village and bring then to light in public domain. This will make dealing with RSS agenda effective and impactful.

It's important to remember that RSS is a cadre based organisation and there is entire organisation behind nefarious acts of Subhas Velingkar. On October 06, 2022 three lakh volunteers Bharat Mukti Morcha (BMM) led by Hon. Waman Meshram marched to RSS headquarters in Nagpur and forced shut it down. BMM is the first organisation to march on RSS headquarters as likes of Subhas Velingkar are directed from there to pursue their hateful enslaving agendas.

In the meanwhile let's continue to pray for Subhas Velingkar for God may touch him just the way Saul was to emerge as Paul.

Jai Mulnivasi!

Mourn the Goa land sale in Delhi or celebrate Gandhi Jayanth in Goa?i

While many celebrate birth anniversary of M.K.Gandhi today in India the rapacious corporate wolves are devoring Goa on Delhi. Our land is put on platter to be traded, to be sold, to be purchased.

Goa has been put on National Highlighter at an exclusive property Expo. This is indeed so sickening and we wish Soviet Union had never exercised veto at UN security council on 18 December 1961 to facilitate India's annexure of Goa through conquest.

M.K. Gandhi had no position on Goa. He fought British. Not Portuguese rule in Goa. One needs to examine reasons for this political position he took. What would be Gandhian position on outright scandalous co-ersive corporate takeover of Goa's land in India's capital New Delhi?

It's choice one needs to make whether to celebrate Birth Anniversary of M.K. Gandhi or mourn sale of Goa as 'property' in Delhi. For State its celebration. For People in Goa it's mourning: sorrowful sagas for Goa once again planned in Delhi whiled executed in Goa. 

Ranes and their mercenary administration over Goa

Why it is important to know about earstwhile mercenary administrators of Goa?

While the role of town planners of Goa and board members under Town and Country Planning Act has attracted increasing attention due to dubious reasons of rapid land conversion into settlement zone there is need to further understand the way Goa's current TCP department functions. 

TCP department is currently headed by Vishwajit Rane. His brazen approach to transfer Goa's land through ammedments to TCP are attracting increasing unrest. The way he dealt with 16 B, 39 A and 17 (2) to parcel out Goa's land to moneyed section of India has been sufficiently noted. What is also noted is the way Vishwajit Rane goes about tactical withdrawal of the TCP sections and re-introduces nefarious principles through different paths. There is something peculiar the way he goes about. After making commitments of land conversions to his known ones from all over India he deploys powerful and cunning initiatives to fulfill the commitment. The matter is no longer restricted to satisfaction of those who sponsored his election campaign. It's much beyond sale of Goa at all costs. He goes all out to facilitate handing over Goa's land to rich and powerful irrespective of how loudly people of Goa shout.

Portuguese who has unique acumen for governing Goa since 25 November 1510 has kept detail documentation on how they dealt with Vishwajit Rane's ancestors.

Portuguese government codified "Reģime para a concessão de terrenos do Estado da Índia" on 24 November 1917 and published in 1918 by Nova Goa - Imprensa Nacional. This document in English would mean Regime for the concession of land in the State of India.

Rule of Ranes under Portuguese fugure under Articles 222 and 223. The following is the English translation of Portuguese text of Article 222:

"There will be a book of accounts in survey department in which all the dessais, accadares and mercenaries who own and administer any of the dessaiados or mercies will be entered.

& Unique. The desaiados and other mercenaries mentioned in this article and currently existing in the State of India are those designated in the Maps annexed in nos 1 and 2 thus being considered as a provisional summery of some mercenaries."

In deed there is annexure of Map.2 on page 88 of the Reģime with a title (English translation):

Dissatisfied & other favors/bounties mercenary administrators 

Maulinguem: Sodogi Gonobá Ranes

Saleli: Candobá Vitoba Ranes

Gululêm: Umaga Zalbá Ranes

Querim: Zoitogi Raugi Ranes

Sanvordem: Ramachandrá Custobá Ranes

Poriem: Ballá Virobá Ranes

Advoi: Manica Zotobá Ranes

The political history of ancestors of Vishwajit Rane has been that of mercenary. The distinguishing character of mercenary relationships with State is extraction of largess through diplomacy of co-ercion of various kinds. Ranes extracted admistration of large tracks of lands from Portuguese through use of co-ercion for self-agrandisement.

Current rule of Vishwajit Rane must be assessed from perspective of mercenary legacy of his ancestors. Minute examination is needed both from within Sattari and without Sattari to understand detail political mercenary maneuvering currently underway from the office of TCP Minister. 

Can anything different be expecting from Vishwajit Rane whose ancestors has left his trail-blazing mercenary legacy other than intensified loot and plunder of Goa?

For mercenary rule what matters is power, wealth, privileges. Political Parties doesn't matter. Political Power matters. Political Parties can be changed easily. Mercenary needs captive souls. Sattari supplies those as per needs of votes in democracy. His father was never even an MLA from BJP Party, yet he enjoys lifetime cabinet status as his retirement largesse from BJP government. This is what mercenary rule yields. Mercenaries makes no qualms about crying in public if that will suit the situation. Many remember Vishwajit Rane crying next to Late Manohar Parrkar. His marriage to Divya has yielded his access to mining baron wealth. Divya in turn has harvested political power from Rane's mercenary politics. Their power together encompasses TCP, Health, Forest, Mining and more. 

This is a broad canvas on for Rajesh Naik Go Back! Rajesh Naik go home! You have caused enough damage! These are slogans from October 01, 2024 protest call given by Swapnesh Sherlekar. 

https://youtu.be/GbLIHKJXihM

Who appointed Rajesh Naik in TCP office in the first place? Are there mercenary strings attach that moves his mind?

Vanxim bridge will uproot and expel locals

Tomas Amansio Rodrigues made some bold statements about Vanxim Island and politicians' attempt to connect it via bridge in Herald on 22nd September 2024 in his article titled "Triple blows threatens Island of Divar".

https://epaper.heraldgoa.in/article/oHeraldo?OrgId=229388a4b4d&eid=1&imageview=0&standalone=1&device=desktop

We take up his important observations for reflections in some detail - sentence by sentence - from 16 sentences about Vanxim with gratitude to Tomas AmansioRodrigues.

1. "Announcement by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on 24 August 2024 during harvest festival in Divar to construct bridge connecting Divar island to Vanxim Island." This announcement is the first threat to Divar Island and foremost threat to Vanxim Island as well threatening the very identity of the two islands in the first place.

2. "Chief Minister's statement coming at a cultural festival surprised many as the long term residents of Divar." In fact the utterances from Chief Minister were much more than surprise. They were shocking indeed. The harvest festival of Bonderam got coup in its very essence from being festival of harvest that was observed by local communidade till some decades ago to festival of real estate (Rajdeep builders and Vianaar) and other corporate ( Coca cola) bonanza. How did this transition happened? Who are the people at the leadership position of PYA allowed such a massive real estate and corporate takeover of Divar's Bonderam?

3. "Divadkars have always opposed a bridge." This is indeed significant collective decision of Divar people that has ensured safety of Divar from rapid and voracious real estate predators. Divadkars deserve appreciation from one and all.

4. "It is only few new residents of Divar that are in favour of bridge." Most of these residents are from different parts of India, accustomed to lifestyle that is different, and often hostile to ethos of Divar Island. They can settle in Divar thanks to the historical annexure of Goa through conquest by India.

5. "Besides, there has never been any demand for bridge from Vanxim, a small island connected to Divar via ferry." This is indeed so. There has never been a demand for bridge from Vanxim. The first time the idea of bridge got seeded in 2010 after Goa Archbishop's office twin sale deeds of February 11, 2006  involving paddy fields of Vanxim to Mahendra Gaunekar and his wife Sonali Gaunekar surfaced on the media. In August 2015 Mahendra Gaunekar sold off same Paddy fields to Ozone Leisure Private Limited for over 15 crore rupees. Few people from Vanxim got deceived then and were used as mouthpiece calling for the bridge connecting Vanxim. Many have realized their copirate hijacking. In fact corporate records reveals bridge as one of the primary requirements (other requirement being construction of retaining wall around entire Vanxim island) to see through realization of installation of five star hotel, luxury villas, helipad, Golf Course and Marina in the middle of Mandovi river inside the paddy fields: unusual harvest plans!

6. "Vanxim has about dozen houses that are inhabited through the year." Yes, slightly more than a dozen to be precise. People of Vanxim gradually moved away from Vanxim to settle all over Goa, India and even beyond.

7. "Other houses remain close most of the year, with people coming there only on holidays." Yes, people visit Vanxim in the month of April-May-June, few in December too.

8. "If one conducts cost-benefit analysis of a bridge to this island, then surely cost will outweigh the benefits." Yes, Ferry services serves well to the island. Avoiding direct road connectivity had protected Vanxim from real estate invasion. Bridge construction will pave way to swallowing of Vanxim Island by corporate greed. Chopdem-Siolim bridge has facilitated tourism invasion of coastal coastal Pernem at unprecedented scale to a level that local people are subjected to acute distress.

9. "I am not merely referring to financial costs here but also to environmental costs." In addition to financial and environmental costs there are also social costs that are never taken into account but very important. One can have peaceful sleep in Vanxim without any vehicular disturbances. Only disturbances in awful odors at Amboi ferry junction due to release of sewage into Mandovi river through underground pipeline from hotel closeby to Ferry ramp.

10. "A bridge cannot be erected without approach roads at either ends." Yes, this is valid poin raised. Huge amount of land on both the islands will have to utilized for approach road to erect the bridge. This is simply bad idea.

11. "Vanxim is so small an island, that one wonders where the approach road will be built."  Yes, Vanxim as island doesn't have sufficient land for such suicidal projects.

12. "Similarly on Divar end, where will approach road begin?" Yes, Divar or Malar stands to loose its land.

13. "How much land will be lost to this, and how many hills be be cut to create the approach roads?" Yes, this is good dimension brought into debate. Mining has ready slashed so many hills of Goa already. Mulgao, Advalpal, Sirgao, Bicholim are already pointers in this direction.

14. "The benefits of such a bridge, if any,  will be only be available to corporates who have for long eye on Vanxim to develop it for tourism purposes." This correct. Bridge is primarily motivation from corporates as they already have most of Vanxim geography under their fraudulent control.

15. "This has been opposed in the past and will be opposed in the future." Yes, it continues to be opposed.

16. "It is obvious to us islanders that the bridge to Vanxim is only to facilitate luxury tourism and 11 households will be displaced once bridge comes up." Yes, attempts for far towards displacements are opposed and opposition continues.

Additionally it must be acknowledged that political leadership including Cumbharjua MLA and Goa Chief Minister are taking up the Vanxim bridge cause is clear indication that their nexus with corporates is firm. Corporate interest is masked and dark faces behind the mask is traceable rather easily.

Siolim Church Assets To Be Privatized?

There is worrying piece of information that is making rounds in households in Siolim these days: Portion of Siolim Church immovable property likely to be put on lease from the begining of 2025.

These assets includes  Sports Ground, Church Complex Hall and Parking facilities. According to the sources lease deed is being processed in top secrecy by the authorities concerned without people of Siolim being on board about the privatization plan.

Sports ground upgraded and St. Anthony's complex was constructed on agriculture land from early to mid 1980s by then Siolim Parish Priest late Fr. Adolf Viegas the popular Football enthusiast who rose to the rank of Canon before his death.

Siolim was once citadel of Football with F.C. Siolim being leading torch bearers that played on this ground. It was and still is popular fitness and entertainment venue that hosted inter-village as well as inter-ward Football tournaments. The man who served Football club Sebastian D'cruz had unimmitable style of Pink, Blue, Green and white coloured chalk drawings on black board announcing details of Football matches outside the F.C.Siolim office in front of St. Anthony's Church. Nostalgic memories!

Siolim is known for some remarkable Football players of the years gone by Inacio, Tynu, Babli, Jophet, Allison, Patrick, Robert, Franky, Elvis, Bobbin, Lucas, Bharat, Armando, Ganesh, Caitan, Raymond and the list goes on.

Football matches would be great attractor of village cohesion and spaces were secure. No one would be required to pay any fee to enter the ground. There are no gates and locks to the ground. No commerce involved.

Schools in and around Siolim SFX school, SFX Higher Secondary School, and higher secondary, Keerti Vidyalaya, Vasant Vidyalaya, Shanta Vidyalaya, Holy Cross High School etc organised their annual sports events without any hurdles and inhibitions. Several people could just enter the ground and go for run or jump or hop as per customized preferences of each. There are no fears. 

Hall at St. Anthony's Complex was ready with first wedding reception on January 01, 1986. Eversince then this hall has served as venue for variety of functions, birthday parties, weddings, religious meets, social functions and variety of other functions. 

However the situation is set to go for dramatic transition if the Ground is leased out, if St. Anthony's Hall is leased out, if Parking lot is leased out. The negotiations are reported to be ongoing and consent seems to be manufactured with casting of votes without copies of MOU/ Lease deed documents being shared with people of Siolim. 

It is not known as to why the privatization proposal is brokered in secrecy and what are the intentions behind such style of brokerage. It is not officially disclosed till date as to who are the parties involved in the lease deed nor their destination of origin. It is not known whether the groups eyeing Siolim Church assets are from Goa in India or Dubai in UAE.

In the context of above situation of anxiety it would be good for those in responsible position of authority to make plans public before agreeing and ratification in the office of Goa Archbishop at Panjim, an office with records of land deeds of nature as suspect as in Tiswadi taluka's Souto Maior in Caranzalem and Vanxim. This could thwart disastrous consequences of such a deed.

Official language of the Church is Latin. Latin word for Church is Ecclesia. English meaning of this Latin word is community. How legitimate is it to lease out immovable property of Parish whose weekly collection touches five digit figures? How justifiable is it to alienate immovable property of a diocese whose weekly collection runs into seven digits? Intentions of the deals doesn't seems to be holy.

Many gets blinded before money and wealth. Judas Iscariot whom Jesus himself had called to be amongst his Apostles leads with an example of selling the founder of the Church for some pieces of Silver currrency of his times.

If Church properties are being sold with active collaboration of those in Ecclesiastical Authority it should be no surprise and matter of shock. It must be understood as their normal course of duty for Our Lady of La Salette warned about such things many years ago on 19 September 1846.

For now let's stand with people of Siolim during their time of anxiety and anguish as they go through their passion. However they need not worry as it might well be the case that the loop in the hand of St. Anthony might extent to the serpents responsible conspiring agents within the Church. May the grace of God supply all the needs of people in Siolim at this moments of trial and tribulations. Let this be our prayers and wishes.

Pending Follow-up Up To North Goa Telecom Comittee Meeting on Mobile Towers Radiation Health Hazzards

CELLULAR RADIATION WATCH - GOA

Date 13 September 2024

To,

The Collector (North Goa) & District Magistrate

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Pending follow-up up to North Goa Telecom Comittee meeting on mobile towers radiation Health Hazzards dated 08 February 2024

Dear Madam/Sir,

I the undersigned Mr. Ashok Bablo Gawas resident of Gullem New Colony, Morlem Sattari, Goa is the complainant against mobile tower installed near Government Primary School Morlem, Sattari, Goa.

Meeting of North Goa District Telecom Committee was held on 8 February 2024 at 11.30 am at conference hall of North Goa collectorate building, Panaji, Goa, under the chairmanship of North Goa Collector Sneha Gitte. Several deposition against mobile towers were presented in addition to mine.

Several issues regarding mobile towers radiation on health effects were raised and discussed. These includes Morlem - Sattari, Guirim in Bardez, and Kumbharjua, Navelim-Divar and Siridao in Tiswadi.

Mobile tower installed near Government Primary School, Morlem is hardly 50 meters away causing grave risk to the young students and staff of the school. This fact was brought to the attention during the meeting.

Now more than seven months have passed by and mobile tower still stands where it was posing grave radiation risks to young lives. There seems to be no follow action from your office nor from the office the Director, Information and Technology, Government of Goa under whose purview North Goa Disctrict Telecom Comittee supposed to function.

I have also came to know that there have been no action taken on complaints to your office from people in Guirim, Navelim- Divar, and Kumbharjua too. No mobile towers objected as above have been shut down. This is very serious issue that is triggering collapse of Public Health in Goa and your delays to initiate action is cause of worry.

You are requested to initiate actions against the following mobile towers urgently with any further delay:

1. Mobile tower at Gullem Colony, Morlem, Sattari

2. Mobile Tower at Kumbharjua, Tiswadi

3. Mobile tower at Guirim, Bardez

4. Mobile Tower at Navelim-Divar, Tiswadi.

Kindly notify the undersigned at above address on what action is being taken or pursued. 

Thanking you.

Yours Sincerely, 

Ashok Gawas

Convenor

Copy to

The Director,

Information and Technology, 

Panaji, Goa

The Deputy Collector & SDM,

Valpoi, Sattari, Goa

The Deputy Collector & SDM,

Panaji, Tiswadi, Goa