Cross storms Chowgules in Sinquerim?

 

On-the-rock Cross on the mouth of River Mandovi has triggered strange reactions from Chowgules rising in Sinquerim, Bardez. The family allegedly deployed its mercenaries and demolished the cross. However cross was seen erected back again on the rocks. Infiriorated with this development Chowgules believed to have filed complaints before Captain of Ports in Panjim. 

It has come to the attention that Captain of Ports official are moving with lentens around the cross in the Arabian sea looking for fishermen to seek information as to who constructed the cross on rocks. Perhaps Captain of Ports officials are right for the one who was nailed to the cross - Jesus - was a friend of a fisherman - Peter on which rock he built his Church. 

Chowgules squating adjacent to Aguada Jail are perhaps terrified that Cross on the rock might just be the foundation that might erode away their agendas just the way they eroded Goa's greenery and looted minerals during last over half century of dig-and-sell economy.

While we say goodbye Adv. Bishwa Ranjan Paramguru

With a heavy heart we express our deepest condolence on death of Adv. Bishwa Ranjan Paramguru. Adv. Paramguru, a young outstanding amongst lawyers marshaled brilliantly in National Green Tribunal (NGT) representing Ramesh Gauns in litigation challenging grant of Environmental Clearance by MOEF&CC to Vedanta Limited Mines at Bicholim Mineral Block I.

Adv. Paramguru died in road "accident" in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha on 10 September 2025. Details surrounding his death are yet to be ascertain.

Adv. Paramguru braved formidable obstacles to get the case admitted to NGT Pune. He followed very high ethical standards are refused to be lured by opposition luring financial offers.

I was amongst those fortunate to have shared time with him in Goa as well as Odisha. His jovial humble nature was rather unusual for the brilliance that he carried over his shoulders. His expressed fears about snakes and the way he expressed them while tracking Goa's mining belt ofter pushed people around us into jiffy. 

I often joked about his surname that he is supreme teacher - Paramguru. And he would reply "No sir, I got that surname from my parents, nothing more." After his death I realised that he so neatly bluffed me!

While he was amongst us he set us into high level of comfort and joy, news of his death came as rude shock unleashing sorrowful tears from deepest core of my being. 

I share no competent words to describe Adv. Paramguru's contribution to defending Goa's ecology from mining corporate aggression. Few in this world are enigmas and Adv. Paramguru is amongst them.

We have no words to console his school going daughter, young wife, his brother and all those share close affinity and friendship with him over thus loss. May they find courage to move on in life. For those of us who shared close moments in struggle his life remains an experience so deeply inspiring: a boy born with no silver spoon in his mouth could attain position of strength and influence, defending those on margins, upholding Justice in courtrooms, showing that human can remain unflinching, uncompromising in the face of adversaries as mammoth and as dangerous as mining industry. 

While we say good bye my friend we leave a taste of what he stood to defend about Goa, it's people, life and economy and ecology: 

Press note on Vedanta Bicholim mine https://share.google/RYq0z741zDtGPBj0m

Dr. Sebastian Rodrigues

Goa CM pitches to mid-night mining transportation?

Reports in Marathi daily on 12 December 2024 about Goa CM intervention in support of Vedanta operated Bicholim Mineral Block - I is truly bizzare.

CM after the failed talks with Pilgao farmers on December 08, 2024 came up with an idea beyond rule books of the mining trade : mining transportation on public roads during day time as well as at night.

In this context certain things must be noted:

1. Terms of Reference for Bicholim Mineral Block I discourages mining ore transportation by road.

2. Vedanta Limited went ahead declared that it will use 900 meters of public road to reach at Sarmanas Jetty.

3. Environmental Clerance granted in January 2024 accepted Vedanta's request for the use of 900 meters of Public Road.

4. Mineral Transportation needs to be during day during time spans with breaks specified in Environmental Clearance ending at 6.30 pm.

5. Never in history of Goa Mineral transportation was officially sanctioned at night. Even the Mineral loot of 35,000 crore rupees was carried on during day time trips. 

6. Goa CM has recommended ore transportation during mid-night on portion of public road connecting Bicholim town to Sarmanas Jetty from 11.30 pm to 5.00 am. 

7. Logic for this recommendation is based on CM's assessment that only 5 houses are in the risk of sleep disturbance at night. Therefore it is alright if their sleep is disrupted at night for five families disrupted daily night sleep is no disturbance at all! Wiered logic indeed. It fit into CM's logic because his sleep will not be disrupted. He cares a damn for other people's sleep. From CM's decision it's clear that he is not going to reside in any of the five houses where sleep will be chronically disrupted due to mining loot at day and night. 

7. This recommendation on night mining transportation at day time and night time is in violation of Environmental Clerance condition that requires mining trucks to halt operations by 6.30 pm.

8. The decisions of CM Sawant to push for night transportation places him in the category of violators of Environmental laws of India and liable to be prosecuted for ecological crimes along with the officials of Vedanta Limited.

High Alert! Oncoming Police repression on People of Bicholim Taluka over mining

Today 10 December 2024 observed as International Human Rights Day. There is however very disturbing piece of information that has come in today; Goa's Sawant Government is all set to unleash police terror to resume iron transportation to benefit London based Vedanta corporate currently in the middle of plunder of Goa's minerals in Bicholim Taluka.

Corporate hasn't been able to carry its plunderous trade over Goa's iron ore due to iron willed determination of Pilgao villagers who raised red flag over ore transportation from their paddy fields and blocked road for past 25 days.

Few days ago Pilgao farmers were called for discussion to resolve this issue at Sankhelim Ravindra Bhavan. Over there Chief Minister Sawant threatened the farmers of arrests in case they continue to resist mining transportation from their paddy fields in Pilgao. Farmers wanted all the mining silt dumped in their paddy fields by mining companies at Pilgao to be cleared out so that cultivation of paddy etc can resume and food security restored. However Chief Minister Sawant was at his arrogant best and declared that he will get police to act repressive against agitating farmers.

According to the sources police repression on people of Pilgao is likely to resume from 11 December 2024. 

Bharat Mukti Morcha therefore calls upon everyone concern to be on high alert and monitor situation unfolding in Pilgao, and be prepared to respond in emergency of lathi charge and other repressive measures.

Terms of Reference of EIA clearly directs project proponent against the use of Public road for the transportation of Iron ore. Vedanta sleathly was allowed to breach this clause in January 2024 Environmental clearance and use of 900 meters of Public road was allowed. Now Vedanta Limited is pouncing on stretch of 2.5 kms of Public road connecting Bicholim town to Sarmanas Jetty. This is unacceptable. Risks multiplies for all the commuters on public road.

This situation is clearly violation of Environmental Clearance (EC) for Bicholim Mineral Block I, and if MOEF & CC fails to cancel this EC then it be held responsible for unleasing law and order situation in Goa.

It is normal to question: was this is the reason why India annexed Goa through conquest armed with Soviet Veto in 1961?

Press note on Vedanta Bicholim mine

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

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.

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

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.

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!

Goa CM towards making Villages vulnerable to mining industry, but why?

Why Goa CM is so determined to make Goa villages vulnerable to mining industry?

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant is in Delhi on a mission rather sinister: to ask for the exception of application of provision (i) of the Office Memorandum dated 29 October 2014 issued by Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change dealing with safety of village roads from transportation of mineral ore that reads as follows:

"Transportation of the minerals by road passing through the village shall not be allowed. A 'bypass' road should be constructed (say, a leaving gap of at least 200 meters) for the purpose of the transportation of the minerals so that the impact of sound, dust and accident could be mitigated. The PP shall bear the cost towards widening and strengthening of existing public road network in case the same is proposed to be used for the project. No road movement should be allowed on existing village road network without appropriately increasing carrying capacity of such roads."

What Goa CM is proposing is very dangerous. He is challenging established environmental jurisprudence of India designed to defend village integrity from mining menace.

When he and the Project Proponent (PP) knew that there were no legal access roads that are available for the transportation of mineral iron ore in Pilgao and Mayem then it was wrong in the first place to go for the auctioning of the ore. It was double wrong to go for the public hearing by concealing this information in EIA report.

So the first wrong has been committed by Goa Government by going for auctioning of Bicholim Mineral Block I to Vedanta Private Limited without ready access road on ground.

The second wrong is committed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change by granting Environmental Clearance without legal access road to transport extracted iron ore.

Under no circumstances villagers of Mayem and Pilgao and other villages should be put to risk by opening their village roads for transportation of minerals from any of the mining companies.

Office Memorandum provides safeguards from impact of sound, dust and accident. Goa CM is attempting in Delhi to make our villages vulnerable to the impact of sound, dust and accident from mining ore transportation. Goa has has lost far too many lives due to mining triggered accidents over the past decades and CM desires more blood and lives of people of Goa.

This CM Sawant is certaintly acting against village safety interests on behalf of mining industry. In fact he should be flung out of his chair much before any of the cabinet ministers like Govind Gawde.

Mining in Goa has roots in Portuguese colonial rule and has continued unabated after 18 December 1961 veto by Soviet Union at UN security council that allowed India to annex Goa through conquest. Mining is top most industry that has corrupted Goa's polity and Chief Minister is its highly corroded beneficiary. As a consequence he is unable to represent people of Goa inpite of elections and represents only mining industry that has enslaved Goa CM. Slave has no mind of his own but has to obey master's orders. Who is the master of Goa CM Sawant for whom he is behaving in this bizarre manner? Undoubtedly it's mining industry that rules his mind and he doesn't think twice before betraying people of Goa. Election is more of Commerce than anything else. Democracy is hijacked by mining industry.

It's mining industry that moves his gloves to Delhi to box out 29 October 2014 office Memorandum of MOEF&CC and make villages in Goa vulnerable to mining industry.

Sirigao Mining Public Hearing Tragedy

Today June 19, 2024. There was public hearing for Salgaocar mining project in Sirigao and Paira villages in Bicholim. Public Hearing was held near Zantye College, Bicholim.

Time allocated for each speaker was three minutes each. Project consultant was absent. Ramesh Gauns who was present and signed attendance sheet was not allowed to speak.

The way things have unfolded today points towards colonial character of the administration that is designed to silence public voices, stiffle dissent, loot Goa's Minerals infinitely, support mining scam permanently, democracy as facade. All these are fruits of Soviet Veto of 18 December 1961 at UN security council that allowed India to do in Goa all it did in Goa's mining belt including 35,000 crore unrecovered loot from mining companies and politicians.

Open letter to Shankar Polji on mining and sand mining in Goa

06 June 2024

Dear Shankar Polgi,

We admired your videos all along held you in high esteem. Your videos always defended Goa's environment. And was so inspiring. However your recent video calling for resumption of sand mining and open cast mining in Goa left us bewildered. 

You must investigate how many people are deprived of their livelihoods due to mining in Goa for the past several decades when it went on. People were working in agriculture and horticulture were left unemployed. Their paddy fields destroyed.

In fact till today even though government has allowed mining to resume for Vedanta onground protests of villagers in Pilgao hasn't allowed single truck of ore to come out on road to load in Jetty. Go and meet the Sarpanch of Pilgao, the inspiring lady.

You know amount of damage mining has created to our Forest in Goa? Go and meet Rama Velip in Colomba.

You know how mining has contributed towards regular flooding of Bicholim and pollution of Bicholim River? Go and meet Ramesh Gauns  in Bicholim.

You know why villagers want their villages defended from predatory mining industry? Go and meet Ravindra Velip in Cavrem.

If you want know how mining has destroyed fertile agricultural land and displaced the village multiple times over the past half century then meet Hanuman Parab in Pissurlem.

If you want to know how how mining industry is threatening to destroy 223 houses in Mulgao and how mining has already destroyed village lakes and agriculture then meet Swapnesh Sherlekar.

If you want to know how to keep village permanently safe from mining onslaught and keep village economy thriving without mining then meet Ulhas Gaonkar from Morpirla.

If you want to know the murderous nature mining industry that launches physical attacks of those who speak out the truth then you must meet Nilesh Gaonkar from Cavrem.

If you want to know how Goa Government is looted by mining industry by corporate gangs then you must meet Captain Viriato Fernandes who is now elected MP South Goa and whom who supported in Rakhandar attire video during election campaigh last month.

If you want to know as to how revenue from mining is sought to be hijacked away from District Mineral Trust Fund of Goa Government then you must meet Wency Mendes.

If you want to learn to question non-implimentation of Justice Shah Commission  report of Goa mining that pointed out loot of Rs.35,000 crore then you must must meet me for sure.

If you want to know as to what provoked Goa Foundation to get into prolonged litigations leading to close down of mining and cancelation of mining leases in Goa then you must meet Dr. Claude Alvares.

If you want to know as to how entire village cashew economy was destroyed by mining industry and village water table disrupted then you must meet Shamsunder Naik of Advalpal village.

If you want to know the struggle as to how entire village paddy fields are deposited with silt layer of meter and half and all the 73 village wells went dry then you must meet Adv Dinanath Gaonkar of Sirigao. 

If you want to know how goons are used against those who dissent then go and meet Rajendra Kerkar at his village of Keri. He along with Prerna Singh Bindra was detain at Fomento Mines by company bouncers. Listen to his story as how he got freed then.

And regarding Sand mining please check marine effect of the trade, effect of fish, crabs to whom sandy riverbed is home and is disrupted by sand mining. Check the effects on river banks that can collapse and villages can get washed into the rivers.

You must also remember that both Sand mining as well as open cast iron ore and Manganese mining was stopped through Court directions. Goa Government in fact supported then all along with all the backing. Your point about corruption at Patradevi check post is well taken and must be true considering nature of system that is perennially corrupt.

I am sharing this for your considered attention with request to reflect on these aspects.

Warm regards,

Dr. S.A.Rodrigues

Elections 2024 and mining implications for Goa

Let's accelerate sound utilization of District Mineral Trust Fund for the support of mining affected People

Electoral system in India is currently facing formidable challenge of electronic rigging with the way Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) are deployed to almost de-franchise people of India and usher in dictatorial system. Free and Fair elections might have been feasible to some extent with paper ballots. Indian current ethical system transmitted through Election Commision of India (ECI) did not allow any of these possibilities. Even Judiciary has betrayed people of India on this count. The consequences of such situation is the collosal collapse of voter trust in electoral system of EVM. The era of Guaratees is founded upon subtracting the basic guarantee of vote being registered in favour of candidate to whom voter votes. There is such a lot of evidence to this fact in India including latest proofs pointed out by Advocate Sadanand Vaingankar of Corruption Abolution Party in Margao for which he was criminally charged and detained for four hours under arrest past week.

This is an eco-system of Electronic corruption that jostled confidence of ruling political party to win election by winning over 400 seats in Lok Sabha.

Along side planned Electronic rigging of democratic mandate must be viewed something related: Electoral bonds. Electoral bonds to the Political Parties is brute camafulage of corporate hijacking of agendas as well as purchase of political candidature. It's a dramatic transition of democracy into corporate prey garden.

Implication of the above political cocktail is indeed highly threatening and we need to take steps to counter its dangerous implications immidiately through Resilience. While entire Country is facing perilous situation over increasingly corrupt and sophisticated polity Goa stands to loose the most.

These elections being that of Central government it has direct Implications to mining in Goa. Mining has unfolded biggest scam of Rs.35,000 crore in Goa and recovery of this amount is still pending due to various political reasons and power dynamics.

Mining industry has fielded Pallavi Dempo on BJP ticket in South Goa. Pallavi was born in family involved in Mining - Timblos of Margao and married in Mining family - Dempos of Panaji. Both these families are involved in eco-criminal activities through open cast iron ore Mining for past three generations and accumulated wealth sufficient for next 30 generations. In fact the election affidavit of Pallavi Dempo records her spouse Srinivas Dempo currently having mining lease in Sindadurg, Maharashtra worth several crores of Rupees. Dempo Family is responsible to getting globally notorious mining company Vandata Limited and its subsidiaries in Goa. The call for CBI investigations in the Mines transfer was never agreed to even though there are grounds for such investigations. 

Pallavi Dempo has disclosed assets worth more than 1000 crore in election affidavit and one can only guess as to how much might have remained undisclosed and off the record.

Fielding of Pallavi Dempo is significant indicator of both dissatisfaction with politicians to cover up and lobby for mining industry in Goa as well as desire for accelerating corporate take over of polity at the highest level in India.

All over Goa both Timblos as well as Dempos - like other mining companies - has profited from mining aggression of Goa's ecology, land, ground water, springs, lakes, water wells, agriculture, horticulture, forest, rivers. These families has been outstanding predators as well as parasites that has sucked out Goa economically as well as ecologically.

Crores of royalty collected by Goa State from the sale of minerals is stored in District Mineral Trust Fund (DMTF) without disbursing to mining affected areas. These funds should have been utilized for the people in mining belt that have been victims of mineral wounds to their geographies.

Candidates contesting Lok Sabha Elections in North as well as South Goa has to put this issue on agenda and get DMTF funds dispersed towards restoration of minerals wounded geographies of Goa in North as well as South Goa.

It is an irony that while mining industry is eager to take off yet again but it has paid no attention to the disbursement of DMTF to mining affected areas. Srinivas Dempo headed Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has been vocal in demanding dredging and deepening of Mandovi, Zuari and Cumbharjua Canal but it is not bothered about disbursement of DMTF to mining ravaged localities in Goa.

Politicians at all levels have been a failure to call for disbursement DMTF to mining affected people proving that they care a dam for Goa's minerally affected livelihoods.

It is rather strange that no political party thought it fit to speak up for the sound utilization of DMTF considering mining is so often being reffered to as backbone of Goa's economy. No Candidates of any Political Party or Independents thought it important to care for the mining affected people by pushing the DMTF issue on the election agenda even as Goa goes for the polls on May 06, 2024.

It is absolutely important to make DMTF functional and we need political parties to support and care for this.

Those who agree and willing to collaborate to make DMTF functional reach out to the author at 9923336347 or on email sebydesiolim@gmail.com


Dr. S.A. Rodrigues
Convenor,
Bharat Mukti Morcha,
Goa State 

Fishing manifesto for Parliamentary Elections 2024

Hello Candidates for Lok Sabha Elections from Goa!

Greetings from All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union!

We wish to draw your attention to few points that need your attention as a candidate for forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from Goa:

1. National Waterways

All the six rivers (Chapora, Mapusa, Mandovi, Cumbharjua, Zuari, Sal) be excluded from National Waterways Act 2017. This will make rivers legally safe for fishing.

2. Marinas

Two proposals (Nauxim and Sancoale) for Marinas in Zuari river be canceled. Leased deeds for both be canceled. This will ensure unhindered fishing in Zuari river.

3. MPA

Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) be excluded from the scope of Major Ports Authorities Act. This will be helpful to make fishing safe for small scale fishers.

4. Blue Flag

Blue Flag certification proposal for Siridao and other beaches in Goa be revoked. Beaches are declared as fish landing centre and This should not be disrupted by providing exclusive and reserved access to any beach in Goa.

5. Subsidies

Fishing communities fuel subsidies and other facilities be increased for small scale fishers.

6. Plastics

Rivers of Goa be cleaned up of plastic garbage by stopping manufacture of plastics.

7. Mining

Mining in Goa has led to siltation of rivers. It has negatively affected livelihoods of small scale fishing communities. Recent scientific study by Scientists from NIO etc has published evidence to this effect. This needs be taken on board as Indian government is moving ahead to resume mining in Goa.

We request you to keep above seven points on your agenda I times ahead.

We will be happy to extend any further inputs on the above points should you decide to contact us back.

Thanking  you,

Yours sincerely

Shaila D'mello

President

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary

Vedanta to put 254 mining trucks per hour on Bicholim Public roads?

 From:

Ramesh S. Gauns

Pajwada, Bicholim,

Goa

M: 9270085105

Date: 25 April 2024

To,

Director of Mines and Geology,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: use of public roads, village roads, district roads for mining transportation...regarding 

Sir,

It has come to our attention that your office is about to provide opinion to the Honorable Goa Bench of Bombay High Court in P.I.L. W.P No. 6 of 2024 recommending transportation of ore on Public Roads, Village roads, District road in Bicholim in order to facilitate Vedanta Limited Bicholim Block - I Mines ore transportation. 

We request you to kindly refrain from allowing such transportation. Transportation of ore to the rate of 120 trips per hour - as recorded in Vedanta limited letter dated 08 April 2024 to your office - would mean invasion of public roads with mighty reckless manner threatening road safety with impunity thereby violating 2022 Supreme Court directions on road safety. 

Environmental Clearance (EC) dated 23 January 2024 records at page 28 of 39 response from Vedanta Limited that total ore that will be transported per day is 12658 tonnes in 1205 trips per day and 127 trips per hour with total vehicles that will be put on road to and fro totaling 254 vehicles per hour. This is sure remedy for creation of a catastrophe for 237 days per year that you need to prevent. 

Moreover you are well advised to organise public consultations with affected people residing close to the vicinity of the roads before providing any permissions to use existing public roads, Village roads, city roads as well as district roads for transportation of ore at such such high rate as 120 trips per hour.

Vedanta Limited has claimed in response recorded in Environmental Clearance page 18 that they have 4.54 km of dedicated road and 0.94 km MDR-20 Public Road.

Directorate of Mines and Geology is not privileged to initiate violation of EC condition to make a mockery of EC. It's legitimacy is very vital by maitaining It's integrity.

Any irresponsible decision on your part would lead to the unpredictably dangerous consequences to the Public Health in Goa and your office will be held responsible and accountable in a fitting manner.

Therefore we assert once again: Please organise public consultations on the issue of granting road permits to transport ore from the Mines to Sarmanas Jetty with affected people of Bicholim Taluka prior to granting of any road permits to Ms Vedanta Limited.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Ramesh S. Gauns

Call to release all those detained due to mining protests in Mayem

 Action Alert

Call to release all those detained due to mining protests in Mayem, Bicholim, Goa

According to the confirmed information six people are illegally detained at the Bicholim Police station without any charges in them. They were arrested today 13 January morning at 10.30 am while protesting illegal transportation ore from their village of Mayem from Chowgule mine at Paira, Mayem.

Those amongst six includes Babuso Karbotkat, Santosh Sawant, Santosh Malvankar, Ajit Sawant, Apa Salgaonkar, Naguesh Naik.

Iron ore is being transported by contactor Dinesh Gauns through the village road in Mayem and is objected by villagers. 

It is also alleged by the villagers that Goa Chief Minister is directly involved in abuse of police force in his capacity as Home Minister for some petty selfish gains and detriment of the Public Interest. It is not know as to how much of 35,000 crores of mining scam has reached Goa Chief Minister as evidently he is silent on recovery of this amount.

Please call up Bicholim Police Station at numbers below and demand immediate release of all those detained at the Bicholim Police Station.

Phone: 0832 2362233

Bicholim Police Inspector Dinesh Gadekar mobile 7875756033

Goa has enough of mining loot, let's not tolerate it any further. Let's stop abuse of Police as private security of mining companies and mining contractors any more!

Goa Government surrender Agricultural land to mining interests

It is saddening to note that Goa Government even though is preparing agriculture policy it has sabotaged Goa's farming interests through surrender to mining aggressions. Goa Legislative Assembly has not only committed blunder of the century but has also reduced themselves as merely executive committee of the mining companies. Long battle awaits us.

                      The text

Section 30 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 "Permision for non-agricultural use.--- No land used for agriculture shall be used for any non-agricultural purpose; and no land assessed for one non-agricultural purpose shall be used for any other non-agricultural purpose or for the same non-agricultural purpose but in relaxation of any of the conditions imposed at the time of the grant or permission for non-agricultural purpose, except with the permission of the Collector under Section 32.

[Provided that the provisions of this section shall not be applicable to the land in occupation of the Government, Corporation of the City of Panaji, a Municipal Council or a Village Panchayat and land to be used for the installation of solar or wind power station.(inserted vide Ammendment Act 5 of 2021)] 

[Provided further that, nothing in this section shall apply to the activity undertaken in pursuance of the permission/licence granted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (Central Act No. 67 of 1957) and rules made thereunder.(Inserted vide Amendment Act 6 of 2023)]

 

                    Implications

2023 Amendment to section 30 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 carried on by Goa Legislative Assembly allows mining in agriculture land without any permision from Collector of the respective Districts in Goa.

                        Çonsequences

So now it is legal to take over paddy fields for mining purpose. There is no need for mining companies even to pay any compensation for crop loss due to siltation of fields.

           Matter of Choice

Goa Government has chosen mining over agriculture. Mining is all set to inflict artifical planned disaster in near future and Goa's legislature is complicit in it. People have to make their choice. Agriculture policy cannot supercede Land Revenue Code. Ģoa Agriculuture Minister Ravi Naik and the members of the drafting committee has to make their stand clear or no policy can work however good it may be if Amendment to section 30 allowing mining in agriculture is not withdrawn.

Kindly share this note further. 

Goa Politicians surrenders agriculture to mining

 Goa Government surrender Agricultural land to mining interests 

It is saddening to note that Goa Government even though is preparing agriculture policy it has sabotaged Goa's farming interests through surrender to mining aggressions. Goa Legislative Assembly has not only committed blunder of the century but has also reduced themselves as merely executive committee of the mining companies. Long battle awaits us.

                      The text

Section 30 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 "Permision for non-agricultural use.--- No land used for agriculture shall be used for any non-agricultural purpose; and no land assessed for one non-agricultural purpose shall be used for any other non-agricultural purpose or for the same non-agricultural purpose but in relaxation of any of the conditions imposed at the time of the grant or permission for non-agricultural purpose, except with the permission of the Collector under Section 32.

[Provided that the provisions of this section shall not be applicable to the land in occupation of the Government, Corporation of the City of Panaji, a Municipal Council or a Village Panchayat and land to be used for the installation of solar or wind power station.(inserted vide Ammendment Act 5 of 2021)] 

[Provided further that, nothing in this section shall apply to the activity undertaken in pursuance of the permission/licence granted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (Central Act No. 67 of 1957) and rules made thereunder.(Inserted vide Amendment Act 6 of 2023)]

 

                    Implications

2023 Amendment to section 30 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 carried on by Goa Legislative Assembly allows mining in agriculture land without any permision from Collector of the respective Districts in Goa.

                        Çonsequences

So now it is legal to take over paddy fields for mining purpose. There is no need for mining companies even to pay any compensation for crop loss due to siltation of fields.

                  Matter of Choice

Goa Government has chosen mining over agriculture. Mining is all set to inflict artifical planned disaster in near future and Goa's legislature is complicit in it. People have to make their choice. Agriculture policy cannot supercede Land Revenue Code. Ģoa Agriculuture Minister Ravi Naik and the members of the drafting committee has to make their stand clear or no policy can work however good it may be if Amendment to section 30 allowing mining in agriculture is not withdrawn.

Kindly share this note further. 

Dr. S.A. Rodrigues

Convenor,

Bharat Mukti Morcha,

Goa State

M: 9923336347

 To,

 

Shri Bhupender Yadav, 

Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,

Government of India, New Delhi

 

To,

 

Shri Ashwini Kumar Chowbey,

Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change,

Government of India, New Delhi

 

To,

 

Ms. Leena Nandan,

Secretary,

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,

Government of India, New Delhi

 

September 13, 2023

 

Subject: Request to deny Environmental Clearance to Vedanta Private Limited Block I Bicholim MIneral Block in Goa

 

Sir/Madam,

 

Greetings from Goa!

 

It has come to our attention from media reports in Goa that Vedanta Private Limited has approached Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to seek Environmental Clearance (EC). We write to you being highly responsible person in MoEF&CC with a request to deny EC to Vedanta Private Limited to avoid catastrophic consequences for the State of Goa. We thought it is prudent to alert you well in advance to avoid regrets later on.

 

EIA reports presented by Project proponents id defective on several grounds. River Bicholim is Flood prone river but this information is concealed in the EIA.

 

2023 Disaster Management Plan for North Goa District records that this mine is likely to trigger disaster for Bicholim town and Sirigao village.

 

2019 study (attached with this email) carried on by Department of Marine Science, Goa University has conclusively proved that mining activities from this mine has polluted Bicholim River to a dangerous level.

 

EIA report reveals that ore to rejection ratio is goin to be 1:8.39. This means that there will be overburden of 2,51,70,000 tonnes per year. Undoubtably this will run off into the Bicholim River through outlets as the height of the mining site is given as 169 meters. This mean gradient will be very steep. Consequently monsoon will rip apart ecosystem with the might of gutsy monsoons washing away mining rejection in surrounding water bodies.

 

There are 13 lakes covering nearly three hectares of space within the mining lease limits in Mulgao. Additionally within 3 Top are there are three lakes, five springs emerging out of foothills of 3 Top hill. Several Hectares of arecanut palantations, rice fields source the water supply from these water bodies

 

There are number of houses within lease limits. Mulgao village alone has 223 houses withing lease limits. Similarly there are more houses withing mining lease limits in other core zone villages. In Lamgao village there are 50 houses and 05 temples within mining lease. In the event of granting of EC from your office these houses are liable to be demolished in order to extract ore, Of course you will care to protect Goa’s ecology at our appeal only if you care or you wont. But we wish to let you know that we care and that’s why we knock your ears. Even village crematorium is missing in EIA.

 

Because of this mine there are frequent flooding of river.

 

At the Public Hearing conducted based of 622 page EIA report just 10 minutes were allotted per speaker. This is an arbitrary way of conducting public hearing violating even the common sense that 622 pages of EIA cannot be critically asses within 10 minutes. Project Proponent’s consultant was absent for the Public Hearing till late evening. Speakers who wanted to clarifcation did not get to question the consultant till in the evening. And in the evening too only 05 minutes were granted to question.

 

Assanora river is close to 15/1941 mining leases and now component of amalgamated mining lease at the distance of 10 meters. No ten meter barrier exists between river and mining pit as claimed in EIA/EMP.

 

All the above indicate that the method of baseline data collection adopted is defective and there are serious doubts on the timing of study being during Covid-19 lockdown as stated in project proponent’s application form before your office.

 

Wells (indicators of ground water) in close proximity from core zone are missing in EIA report.

 

Consusltant backtracked on the claims that this mining project is greenfield project. This mining site is in operation for last 80 years with its beginning in 1941.

 

In violation of Terms of Reference Project proponent intents to use public road used by civilians of around 900 meters. This will put life of the civilians under serious life threatening risk.

 

Rainfall noted in EIA is 3500 mm which is wrong.

Thanking you,

Yours truly,

Ramesh Gauns, 

Bicholim

M: 9270085105

Dr. Sebastiao A. Rodgigues,

Convenor, Bharat Mukti Morcha, Goa State

M: 9923336347