MAND - an adivasi-rights research and resource centre

GXE statement on Jaitapur nuclear reactor protests

2011-01-04T21:49:00.001+05:30

Goenchea Xetkanracho Ekvott (GXE), an umbrella organization working closely with numerous Goan groups on agriculture and environmental issues, strongly condemns the Government of India and the State Government of Maharashtra for the dictatorial and uncostitutional measures being taken to suppress the legitimate struggle of residents of Jaitapur and neighbouring villages to voice their concerns regarding the proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant.

GXE denounces the ongoing police atrocities and regime of terror unleashed by the State to silence the beleagured farmers of Konkan as an attempt to undermine our Constitution. Retired Supreme Court and High Court judges are among thousands of villagers slapped with criminal charges and prohibitory orders in a shameful display of medieval inquisitive repression. Innocent visitors, scientists and mediapersons are being stopped by swarms of armed CRPF and other security forces from accessing the entire region in a blatant attempt to stifle the voices of reason and truth. The almost complete media blackout regarding the ground reality in Jaitapur is a frightening reminder of the infamous Emergency. The State seems to be keen to give a message to all Indians that it is more than willing to treat innocent residents as if they are terrorists, not just in Kashmir, but in any other part of India.

The cause of this standoff between the State with thousands of armed forces and the entire executive and judiciary on one side, and the poor farmers on the other, is the ongoing land acquisition for the 10,000 MW nuclear power plant proposed at the Madban plateau located on the picturesque coast of Konkan. The Government's unholy secrecy and haste are attempts to hide the ugly truths regarding this project, which include issues fundamental to the safety and survival of millions of Indians living in the densely populated Konkan, Goa and neighbouring regions. There is not a single working reactor of this new technology in the entire World, and even the design is not finalized due to safety concerns. However, Environmental Clearance has been granted by the Indian Government to this project due to “strategic reasons”, without obtaining regulatory approval from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), and side-stepping the basic safety considerations. The design and detailed project specifications are yet to be submitted to the AERB. Yet, contractual agreements have been signed during the French President's recent visit to India, effectively awarding the French company Areva this 1 lakh crores project.

When proven indeginous nuclear reactors can be built for less than half the price, why is the Government hell bent on buying this untested and incomplete design from the French? It is our grave concern that the Indian Government is blindly attempting to salvage the French economy by gifting its dying nuclear industry this bonanza, but at huge costs to genuine Indian interests. This project is doomed financially as well as technologically, and even if the safety concerns are ignored, the issues related to soveregnity of our nation, economics, radioactive waste and other environmental aspects are significant.

GXE demands that the Indian Government removes all restrictions on freedom of speech, movement and association presently imposed on Jaitapur region and that it takes all measures necessary to restore our sagging confidence in the Indian Democracy immediately. We also demand that all issues regarding the design, life expectancy and decommissioning of the proposed plant, the procurement of fuel and disposal of waste, radioactivity, accident risks and safety, total project costs and comparison with alternative energy sources, purpose of the plant, environmental and social impact and Absolute Liability of the supplier are placed before the Indian Public, whose Fundamental Rights to Information and Life shall otherwise be crushed. We demand that until Public Approval is obtained after going though transparent and proper review procedures in Public Domain, the Land Acquisition process must be stopped and all Agreements and Contracts signed with Areva, or others, must be ignored by the Government.

GXE calls upon all Goans, residents of the Western Ghats and surrounding regions, and all other Indians to rise and defend our country from this blatantly illegal and unconstitutional attempt of the Government to appease Western Countries by feeding their dying industries at the cost of our economy, society, environment, and possibly even our very existence. If the Government fails to listen to the voice of reason, it shall be up to us, the people, to protect our Constitution, our lives, our lands and the future generations.

Petition on Jaitapur anti-nuclear protests and police repression

2010-12-22T14:58:00.001+05:30

Janhit Seva Samiti

At and Post Madban, Taluka Rajapur, District Ratnagiri.

Dated December 19, 2010

Respected District Superintendent of Police,

District Ratnagiri, Ratnagiri.

Sub- Regarding Mass Agitations Against Proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project.

Respected Sir,

This is to bring to your notice that we the project affected community farmers and fishermen of Madban, Mithgavane, Karel Niveli, Nate and Several Surrounding Villages have been waging peacefull protests against the above mentioned Proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project. Since the hazardous and near fatal consequences of the project are increasingly clear, the agitation as you are well aware is spreading. While we have always endeavored to wage peacefull protests, the police under the garb of maintaining law and order have been found to be arresting and pressing grave criminal charges against innocent villagers since August 2, 2010 right upto December 4, 2010 and the recent incident that took place yesterday in which a innocent villager Irfan Kazi was killed due to reckless driving by a vehicle provided by NPCIL and which was in charge of your police force.

These incidents have only instigating the local villagers against your very force and police personnel who are our very brotheren just doing their police duty. In light of the incident yesterday which has disturbed the law and order of the area once again for no fault of the local community, we the activist of the above Samiti and the agitation have met and upon deliberating on the developments so far have resolved to intensify the agitation but in a peacefull manner using the Gandhian Satyagrahi way of peacefull agitations. You may kindly take note of the peacefull manner in which the Jail Bharo Agitation of October 29, 2010 took place at Madban in which around three thousand people participated.

Some of your responsible officers are clearly biased against us and have fallen short in understanding the reasons which form the base of the agitations and the manner in which we have sought to agitate. In fact these officers have time and again provoked the peacefull protestors to take either take law into their own hands or have pressed serious criminal charges against such villagers who were not even part of the agitation. The nature of the charges being pressed against villagers is of such serious nature that it they are not even found to be pressed against hardcore criminals.

In light of the above you may kindly take note that our agitations is against wrongfull and hazardous developmental policies of the government and not against the police, we wish to continue and intensify our agitation but in a peacefull manner till this project is cancelled.

In light of this you are requested to instruct your police officers not to implicate innocent villagers and workers at every opportunity. There is a fear that if this trend continues unscrupulous elements may infiltrate our agitation to create law and order situations which would then be beyond our control and yours too and for we which we shall definitely not be responsible. Hope you shall consider the above and seeing it in true light give necessary instructions to your police officers to maintain restraint in dealing with mass agitations.

Yours Sincerely

Arun Velaskar Madhu Mohite Mangesh Chavan Satyajit Chavan

For

Pravin Gavankar Sharfuddin Kazi Sri Krishna Mayekar Amjad Borkar

Ramesh Kajwe Rajendra Wadekar Saiyyad Habib Vijay Raut

Uttam Pawaskar Anil Tirlotkar Vilas Awasare Prashant Harchekar

Joint inspection confirmed illegalities at Devapan Mine

2010-12-22T14:52:00.001+05:30

The Goa State Pollution Board along with water resources department , forest department, agriculture department and committee member of Cavrem Adivasi Bachao Samiti and villagers of Cavrem recently carried out a joint inspection of the Devapan Dongor mine Cavrem Quepem operated by Sheik Salim and Shaik Muktar.

There were more than 200 villagers gathered along with officials to inspect the mine which started from 11 am in the morning and lasted till 3 PM in the evening without any break for lunch.

At the time of inspection the team notice that in violation of the environment clearance which has permitted the mining activity up to the dept of about 120 mts below sea level but the mine owner has dug the pit up to the depth of about 167 mts below sea level. This has caused tremendous damage to the water resource.

It was noticed by the directorate of mines and geology that no royalties have been paid to the government since Jan 2010, till May 2010 even though the mine was in operation without there being legal consent to operate. This was confirmed by the inspecting team from visual inspection of the mine and the verbal confirmation from the directorate of mines representative. Top soil was not stored as per the environment clearance. one Water spring was totally destroyed and 2nd spring is heavily damaged. As per the EC 50 mts on both sides of the nallah should be mining free , and it was thickly vegetated with native forest trees. But the mine owners have completely buried and destroyed in total violation of environment clearance. The Indian bureau of mines did not attend the inspection but forwarded a letter stating that the mining company has violated the mining plan. The authorities were witness to large scale deforestation in private forest land, and the representatives stated that they had not encroached on land belonging to forest dept., but the team pointed out that deforestation in private forest is also contravention of the forest conservation act. All the authorities observed that mining activities had been carried out in the previous week and that the screening plant had been operational in spite of high court order and order from the Goa pollution control board.

Is Quepem Bridge safe for heavy transportation?

2010-12-16T02:38:00.001+05:30

The 45 years old bridge on Kushawati River at Quepem which is the only way to link Quepem town to Curchorem, Sanguem and other places is it safe for heavy transportation?

The 100 mts length and 20 mts height bridge on Kushawati river and known as Kushawati Bridge was constructed soon after liberation of Goa at an estimated cost of Rs.10 lakhs by Gammon India Pvt. Ltd. Company Bombay.

The work of the bridge was commence in January 1961 and the same was inaugurated on 18/11/1962. It was constructed in place of the then exiting bridge which was demolished by the then Portuguese regime on 18th December 1961.

In early 2010 the villagers of Quepem raised concern over the safety of the bridge as heavy mining transport was plying over it.

Due to the outcry made by the public the PWD Works Division XXV( R ) in April 2010 through a team of experts from Goa College of Engineering Formagudi headed by professor V. Chodankar , assisted by Dr.G. Hegde, Dr. C.S. Gokhale and S. Kakodkar conducted loading test of the Kushawati bridge.

In May 2010 the Goa Engineering Formagudi team of experts submitted their report in which they have mentioned that the bridge is safe for a maximum loading capacity of 15.4 tons.

In its report for the safety of the bridge the team of experts also suggested 7 measures which includes

1. The shot-creting/guniting may be undertaken for concrete spans to strength it and to cover the sxposed reinforcement particularly for Datta mandir side span.

2. To increase thelofe and to strengthen it, FRP wrapping may be undertaken for all three spans.

3. All the abutment may be cleared of all plants growth including penetration of roots.

4. Suitable jacketing measures may be taken for protecting pier pedestals from scouring and the water way below the may be cleaned and cleared.

5. The side rails/hand rails may be painted and strengthened wherever required.

6. The utility lines running on the bridge may be systematically supported and protected

7. Asphalting may be done for carriageway over the bridge.

That though more than 6 months have been passed apart from not taking any steps over the measures suggested by the experts for the safety of the bridge the PWD Quepem is yet to install a signboard mentioning safe loading limit of the bridge.

Assistant Engineer Rosario Pereira when question about the measures taken to prevent overloading over the bridge informed herald that his department is yet to take steps to prevent overloading over the bridge

Adv. Fredrik Pereira, convener of Quepem taluka mining affected peoples forum and instrumental in carrying out the loading test of the bridge informed that the department is not concerned about the safety of the bridge. He further informed that presently the mining trucks carry more than 20 tons over the bridge, if that continued further then one day the bridge may collapse. He further informed that the PWD is hesitating even to put sign board mentioning the loading capacity of the bridge only to protect the interest of the mining trucks and mining companies.

On Goa SEZ mega scam

2010-12-11T14:44:00.000+05:30

The land in phase 4 of goa idc in verna was acquired with grants from central govt for indl growth. In the writ petition 263/08 filed by john philip and august monteiro against 5 SEZ'S in verna and the judgement & order dt 26/11/10 of the mumbai high court is a victory of the people over corruption. In the 11 petition filed in the high court the judgement clearly shows that instead of GIDC developing industries, has acted as a agent by alloting land to SEZ to bring mall, hotels etc causing 3^rd party rights since section 6 of the SEZ act states that even non processing activity are permitted to be set up in the SEZ area.

The decision to allot land to 4 SEZ was held on 19/4/06 in goa idc 's 287 board meeting without proper corum which had to be 5 members but only 4 members present namely

1) babu kawlekar chairman

2) alexio sequeira

3) nitin kunkolienkar

4) a.v palekar MD

AND THE LAND WAS ALLOTED IMMEDIATELY THE VERY NEXT DAY EVEN BEFORE sez POLICY WAS NOTIFIED ON 13/7/06.

In the process allotment of open spaces and internal road were alloted free of charge without the boards permission and later charged at rs 100/-sqmts.

The allotment was done without the direction of section 16 of goa idc act by only support of luizinho faleiro and pratapsingh rane then Cm which was totally illegal.The board also decided not to levy transfer fee sub lease, assignments charges and annual lease rent for SEZ was reduced from 2% to 0.5%.

Tenders were floated for roads which were already in possesion of SEZ at the cost of rs 1,82,30,826/-

In the course of judgement the IDC lawyer stated that since there were no takers for the land in phase 4 the same were alloted to SEZ. IDC did not make it public the availability of the said land and since there were no takers the sais land should have been returned to the original owners as it was acquired

by land acquisition act under urgency clause.

The CAG report was produced in court also confirmed what the petitioners were alleging . The allotment of land has caused more than 100 cr loss to the exchequer.

The house committee under the chairmanship of manohar parrikar has to take immediate further steps to inquire and call all concerned in the scam to depose before him, responsibility have to be fixed on the concerned authority including recovery of losses caused to the exchequer from the concerned person.

The SEZ scam is the mother of all scams in goa, similar to 2G scam at the centre and of the same magnitude.

Goa is systematically destroyed by mining, land acquisition of communidade land, destruction of paddy fields and forest, hill cutting and over exploitation of water through bore wells. The action demanded are,

1) appoint professionals on board of directors if IDC,

2) stop further land acquisition for industrial estates

3) area above certain limit should be auctioned for inds,

4) perceptive plan of development of industrial infrastructure

5) all lands alloted creating 3^rd party rights should be reverted to IDC including 20 pt programme in phase 4.

6) The present govt functionaries should resign on moral grounds

a) pratapsing rane

b) alexio sequeira

c) babu kawlekar

CBI investigation to be conducted and FIR filed on all guilty, also on board members who were present to confirm the minutes and on board members who remained absent for not protesting against the decision.

Petitioners

John philip pereira

august monteiro

Destruction of mand destroyed Dhalo ustav in Quepem

2010-12-09T19:01:00.002+05:30

By John Fernandes

Comes the month of October or for that matter once the harvest season is over in villages of Quepem and Sanguem talukas particularly dominated by the Christian Gawda Tribe , during night time one would hear the sweet sound of Dhalo Songs being played by the Christian Tribal women folk on their traditional Mand

Now this has been a past History as since last 15 years due to the rampant criticism made by the religious priest on the “Mand” which was one of the center place for performing different cultural folk dances/activities of the Gawda Tribe, resulted in destruction of the Mand, which intern resulted in wiping out the different folk dances, folk songs, such as Dhalo, which was one of the important cultural festival of the Christian Gawda Tribal women. This also resulted in wiping out the identity of the Christian Gawdas.

In village Ambaulim/Deao of Quepem taluka which are part of Ambaulim Church is consist of 10 small wards inhabitated mostly by Christian Gawdas. In some wards the population of Christian Gawda is 100% while in remaining wards the Gawda Population is 95%. Each wards was having its Mand which was the center place for performing all the cultural activities/dances such as Dhalo, Intruz etc.

Once the harvest season is over preferably in the month of October the Gawda women folk of each ward used to play Dhalo on their traditional Mand particularly during night time. In ward Copelabhat once the harvest of Nagagal peddy field is done the women folk of that ward use to play dhalo on their Mand. The Dhalo festival was performed by the Gawda Tribal women to glorify/pray the almighty or the nature for the harvest.

The Dhalos festival on the Mand was performed in odd days. On the first day of Dhalo that is on the day of commencement the wife of the ward Budwant (head of the village) use to light the Lamp which was kept in the middle of the Mand and lighted every night till the Dhalo Festival is over , followed by busting of crackers. The tribal women then use to gather on the Mand to play Dhalo. They used to stand in two different line holding each one hands and then sing different traditional songs in sweet voice on the rithm of their leg. If one minutely verifys the song each song is having a past history and conveys a message to the villager. In the Dhalo Songs there is even reference of different trees/shrubs having medicinal importance.

The different folk dances which were performed by the Tribal women during Dhalo Festival include Dhalo, Fugdi, Palom, Moraile etc. The village youth who use to gather to see the Dhalo use play “Kolimandani” in one corner of the mand.

The Dhalo Festival use to go that either 3 days, 5 days, 7 days or 9 days. On the last day of the Dhalo large number of villagers including male member from that ward use to gather on the mand to participate in the closing ceremony which was referred as “Mand Nivovop”. Every member who comes on the mand used to bring paddy from their house. The paddy brought by the villagers were collected and then sold to the shopkeeper from the ward and in return sweets and puff rice (chirmuleo) were purchased which were distributed among all those present. In this way the Dhalo festival of Gawda Tribals comes to an end.

However since last 15 years due to the rampant criticism made by the religious priest to the Mand calling it as a devil place and the cultural activities performed over their by the Tribals that to without studying its concept or without studying its importance for preserving the cultural importance of the Tribals resulted in destruction of the Mand along with it, it destroyed the reach cultural heritage such as Dhalo and the typical identity of the Christian Gawdas particularly from Quepem and Sanguem Talukas.

Cavrem tense due to mining

2010-11-26T13:06:00.002+05:30

Tension went high in Cavrem on Monday 22/11/2010 morning as the management of Devapan Dongor Mine operated by one Shaik Salim did not comply with the assurance given to pollution control at the hearing held on 19/11/2010.

That the villagers of Cavrem claims that the Shaik Salim Mine at Cavrem Quepem is operating sans permission from the pollution control broad to operate. Presently the hearing in respect of the said mine is under process before the Goa Pollution control board. It is learnt that at the last date of hearing held on 19/11/2010 the management of the mine has given an assurance to the officials of Goa Pollution control board that they will not start the motor to pump water, will not start the plant and will use machinery only to make road and put the rejection dump in order. However the villagers claimed that in violation of the said assurances given to the Pollution control board the management operated the mine and pump water.

The non compliance of assurances given to the Pollution control board irritated the villagers so on Monday morning at around 7.00 AM around 150 villagers gathered at the gate of the mine to high light the issue. That meanwhile the police got the information and immediately two jeep load of police from Quepem Police station headed by PSI Rahul Damsheker rushed to the site to maintain law and order. The villagers remain outside the gate of the mine till 1.00PM after which they disperse. That as soon as the villagers disperse the police also returned back. No untoward incident has been reported. However Cavrem seems to be tense due to the operation of Devapan Dongor mine. The villagers are determined not to allow the mine to operate.

Yesterday 25/11/2010 morning group of hundred villagers met Chief Minister Digambar Kamat at his Margao residence and asked him to close down the Sheikh Saalim mine in their village.

Mining trucks defy High Court order

2010-11-25T21:28:00.004+05:30

Defying High Court order which laid the timing for mining truck as 8.00AM to 6.00PM the mining truck operating via Tilamol quepem side on thursday continued even beyond 8.00PM night thereby causing traffic jam and causing inconvenience to the general public. This is about today.

Yesterday at 11.30 am, Zambaulim to Tilamol, some of the trucks overloaded with iron ore stopped one side of the road, at that time counted 221 trucks within half an hour. Each truck loaded 3 trips per day.

Illegal pumping of water from Cavrem Sheikh Salim mine

2010-11-25T21:25:00.002+05:30

This is a blatant case of illegal mining. These pictures shows the damage this mine has caused to Hills and ground water in Cavrem, Quepem, Goa.

Cavrem people's march on the mine, police stop

2010-11-25T21:09:00.002+05:30

On November 22 tribal people of Cavrem, Quepem marched on Sheikh Salim mine that is operating illegally in the village disrupting their water sources. Goa Police came to protect the mining company. Here are two pictures from the protest.

Cavrem mining disrupts water flow

2010-11-25T21:05:00.003+05:30

Cavrem mining in Goa's Quepem taluka disrupts traditional water ways. Adivasi people suffer. This is an edited picture pointing out dumps and nallah (water path).

GOAMAP demands termination of Bandekar mining lease in Sirgao

2010-11-25T21:00:00.002+05:30

Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) demands immediate termination of mining lease 04/1949 belonging to Bandekar in Sirgao village of Bicholim taluka.

GOAMAP condemns the decision of Goa Government to renew this mining lease for another 20 years in a gazette notification issue on 10^th November 2010. GOAMAP considers this mining renewal as an insult to those Sirgao village that is already facing acute water shortages and siltation of paddy fields.

Goa government has included settlement zones - local houses, agricultural fields, water springs, village temples and community places of famous Sirgao Zatra’s venue for its Omkhand in the mining renewal lease of Bandekar.

Villagers of Sirgao has been protesting damage done to their village over the past few years and Goa government instead of lessening their burden has acted in a manner to wipe out Sirgao from the Map of the Planet. Goa’s Mines Minister who is also the Chief Minister - Digambar Kamat - has no right whatsoever to this. His action has once again proved that he is an enemy of Bhahujan Samaj and ecology of Goa.

Cavrem letter to GSPCB on illegal mining

2010-11-25T20:58:00.000+05:30

CAUREM ADIVASI BACHAO SAMITI

c/o. Nilesh Gaonkar,

Gaonkarwada, Caurem,

Quepem taluka, Goa

REF NO. 21/10 Date: 24^th November 2010

The Member Secretary,

The Goa State Pollution Control Board,

Dempo Towers, 1^st Floor,

Patto Plaza,

Panaji, Goa

Sub: REQUEST FOR URGENT ORDER STOPPING ILLEGAL MINING AT DEVAPAN DONGOR MINE, TC 01/51, CAUREM VILLAGE, QUEPEM TALUKA

Dear Sir,

We, the members of the Caurem Adivasi Bachao Samiti, living in the Caurem village of the Quepem Taluka, request your immediate intervention to save our village from illegal mining at the subject mine, and the disastrous effects of pollution due to it.

We wish to thank you for the opportunity given to us to attend the hearing held regarding the renewal of the Consent to Operate of the subject mine in the office of the Chairman of the GSPCB on 19^th November 2010. However, we are greatly distressed by the fact that in spite of assurances given by the mining company's representatives during the hearing that no mining or dewatering is being carried out at the mine, the mining company has continued its dewatering and mining activities. In fact, they have accelerated their excavations and internal transportation activities after the hearing and have engaged a number of excavators and dozens of trucks in contravention of their commitments to you. They are also pumping out huge quantities of water from the mining pit at nights, thereby causing siltation and pollution of our water ways and paddy fields.

We therefore request you to kindly pass an Order stopping the dewatering and mining activities in the said mine until they obtain the Consent to Operate. Please also give directions to the executive to ensure that the mining company is stopped physically from carrying out mining activities, since they are showing blatant contempt for the law and for their own representations.

We are determined to save our village from any further destruction and shall greatly appreciate your support and co-operation in stopping the illegal mining activities and the irreversible polution of our surface and ground water resources, and for upholding the Law and our Constitution.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/-

Tulshidas Velip

Secretary

Cavrem letter to Indian Bureau of Mines on illegal mining

2010-11-25T20:56:00.002+05:30

CAUREM ADIVASI BACHAO SAMITI

c/o. Nilesh Gaonkar,

Gaonkarwada, Caurem,

Quepem taluka, Goa

REF NO. 23/10 Date: 24^th November 2010

The Indian Burean of Mines,

Fatorda, Margao, Goa

Sub: REQUEST FOR URGENT ACTION TO STOP ILLEGAL MINING OPERATIONS AT 'DEVAPAN MINE', TC 01/51, CAUREM VILLAGE, QUEPEM TALUKA

REF: 1) Our earlier letter to you dated 31^st August 2010

2) Our earlier letter to you dated 12^th October 2010, received by you on 25^th October 2010

Dear Sir,

We, the members of the Caurem Adivasi Bachao Samiti, living in the Caurem village of the Quepem Taluka, request your immediate intervention to stop the mining and dewatering operations going on at the 'Devapan' mine, TC 01/51, Caurem village, Quepem taluka. In addition to the grounds stated in our earlier letters referenced above, we bring to your attention the following violations by the ongoing activities at the said mine.

1. Destruction of ground water aquifer and springs: 'Devapan' literally translates as 'God's sacred grove', signifiying the exceptional significance of the life giving ecological wealth of this hill. This hill has some of the most exceptional aquifers in Goa and is the origin of numerous perennial springs, including major ones called 'Paikachi Zor', Khaspurus Zor', 'Talyepat Zor', 'Bulmeachi Zor', 'Khuteachi Zor Ghogho', 'Mestan Zor', 'Gaunkaran Zor', 'Vanvshan Zor' and 'Gallachi Zor'.The present mining pit has already gone deep into the ground much below the permitted levels, and has burst one water aquifer, thereby destroying its integrity, the water quality and quantity, which is serious violation of the conditions imposed by the Environmental Clearance. This has already caused significant reduction in the quantity and quality of water flowing from many of our springs. The last two of the springs named above are inside the active mining area, with the 'Gallachi Zor' being destroyed completely and the 'Vanvshan Zor' is surrounded by mining activities on all side, with the water being used for washing mining equipment. Every day, the mining activities continue to destroy this crucial source of perennial water, and one of main sources of Kushawati River, which is the lifeline of tens of thousands of families living in our village, and in dozens of villages along the route of Karka River, Kushawati River and the Zuari River. We are afraid that if the mining activities are not stopped immediately, more compartments of this aquifer shall be compromised, causing total and irreversible destruction in our village and in other parts of Goa.

2. Destruction of nallahs and buffer zone: The subject mining lease includes three nallahs, which used to carry perennial waters to our fields for cultivation of second and third crops of paddy, sugarcane, chillis, vegetables and for horticulture. The mining company has not only compromised the buffer zones of the nallahs, but has also destroyed the nallahs themselves, in blatant violation of the law.

3. Mining Operations without necessary permissions: The Consent to Operate for the said mine has expired on 1^st January 2010, after which the mine has been operating illegally. During this period the mining company has excavated and transported huge quantities of ore illegally. As per the Orders of the Bombay High Court dated 20^th September 2010 (copy attached), read with the submissions made by the Government Departments, the mine is supposed to be inoperational. During a Hearing held at the office of the Chairman of GSPCB on 19^th November 2010, the representatives of the mining company stated that no mining operations are taking place at the mine. However, the mining activities are continuing till date with impunity, with accelerated speed and urgency.

4. Pollution of water and paddy fields: The illegal mining operations are causing havoc to the water and agriculture in our village, as confirmed by the Show Cause Notice issued by the Goa State Pollution Control Board on 22^nd October 2010 and their Test Reports (copies attached). During the Hearing held at the office of the Chairman of the GSPCB on 19^th November 2010, it was stated by the mining company representatives that the pump(s) in the mining pit are only for emergency purposes. However, the mining company continues to operate the pump illegally till date, and is thereby dumping large amounts of mud in the lands, rivers and paddy fields downstream of the mining pit and destroying them.

5. Forest Rights: The residents of Caurem village are scheduled tribe members and other forest dwellers. The attached copy of the Table no. 20, on page 100 of the “Survey Report on Scheduled Tribes of Goa” states that during the 2001 census, 699 tribal households were ennumerated in our village, which corroborates the actual number of more than 2000 tribal residents of our village. Our Traditional Rights over our Forest Lands, which includes the lands under this mining lease and lands contiguous with them, are now finally recognized by the Union Government under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The ongoing mining is undermining the objectives of this new enactment and is destroying our Rights before they are even verified by the Government, and is therefore in violation of this enactment. The Environmental Clearance is also based on the false data included in the Rapid EIA & Management Plan Report, which states that there do not exist any tribals in the 22 villages in the study area (copy of page 3.9 of the Report attached). This is abolutely false, since all these villages are predominantly populated by tribals, as verified also by the government data in the Table no. 20, on page 100 of the “Survey Report on Scheduled Tribes of Goa”, which is attached herewith. Secondly, we have not had a proper opportunity to have a Public Hearing as mandated under the EIA Notification, since majority of the villagers were not aware of the Hearing held on 28^th April 2008. Thirdly, attached herewith is a copy of the unanimous Gram Sabha resolution dated 19^th December 2007 resolving to stop the mining which was forced upon the villagers in spite of their opposition. This resolution also is evidence proving that the mining had started even before the so-called Public Hearing held on 28^th April 2008, reducing the entire exercise to a farce.

6. Violation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: A large portion of the mining land includes forest lands, both private forest and government owned reserve forest. The mining activities are going on in the private forest area without any permissions.

OUR PRAYER

We pray that you may therefore:

1. carry out a thorough investigation into the illegalities mentioned in this letter and into the adherence by the mining company to its other statutory responibilities under the various laws applicable, and the terms and conditions imposed under the various clearances and permissions obtained by the company;

2. pass an interim Stay Order against any mining or dewatering operations at the Devapan Dongor mine to prevent further irreversible damage to us and our environment, in the pendency of the investigation;

3. to take steps necessary to ensure that the mining comany cannot physically operate their machinery and pumps illegaly, as they have been doing in blatant violation of their own assurances given to the Chairman of the GSPCB in our presence.

We are determined to save our village from any further destruction and shall greatly appreciate your support and co-operation in stopping the irreversible polution of our surface and ground water resources, and upholding the Law and our Constitution.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/-

Tulshidas Velip

Secretary

Encl: 1) Copies of documents mentioned in the body of this letter

Cc: 1. Regional office of MOEF, Banglore. 2. MOEF, Delhi.

Cavrem letter to Chief Conservator of Forest on illegal mining

2010-11-25T20:54:00.000+05:30

CAUREM ADIVASI BACHAO SAMITI

c/o. Nilesh Gaonkar,

Gaonkarwada, Caurem,

Quepem taluka, Goa

REF NO. 20/10 Date: 25^th November 2010

The Chief Conservator of Forests,

The Chairman of the Monitoring Committee,

Gomanta Maratha Samaj Building,

Panaji, Goa

Sub: REQUEST FOR ORDER STOPPING MINING & DEWATERING AT XEC SALIM MINE, TC 01/51, CAUREM VILLAGE, QUEPEM TALUKA

Dear Sir,

We, the members of the Caurem Adivasi Bachao Samiti, living in the Caurem village of the Quepem Taluka, request your immediate intervention to save our village from the disastrous effects of water pollution caused by illegal mining.

We recently had the opportunity to attend the hearing held by the GSPCB regarding the renewal of the Consent to Operate of the subject mine in the office of the Chairman of the GSPCB on 19^th November 2010. However, we are greatly distressed by the fact that in spite of assurances given by the mining company's representatives during the hearing that no mining or dewatering is being carried out at the mine, the mining company has continued its dewatering and mining activities. In fact, they have accelerated their excavations and internal transportation activities after the hearing and have engaged a number of excavators and dozens of trucks in contravention of their commitments to the government. They are also pumping out huge quantities of water from the mining pit at nights, thereby causing siltation and pollution of our water ways and paddy fields.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/-

Tulshidas Velip

Secretary

Cavrem reminder on illegal mining to Goa Chief Minister

2010-11-25T20:51:00.000+05:30

CAUREM ADIVASI BACHAO SAMITI

c/o. Nilesh Gaonkar,

Gaonkarwada, Caurem,

Quepem taluka, Goa

REF NO. 02/10 Date: 25^th November 2010

The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa,

The Secretariat,

Porvorim, Bardez taluka, Goa

Sub: Second Reminder regarding Site Inspection of illegal mining at Caurem, Quepem taluka at TC 01/51, Devapan Dongor mine

REF: 1) Our meeting with you on 19^th August 2010 at your residential office

2) Our earlier letter to you dated 23^rd September 2010

Dear Sir,

We, the members of the Caurem Adivasi Bachao Samiti, had met you in your office at your residence at Malbhat, Margao on 19^th August 2010 at 0930 hrs in order to explain to you the devastation caused to our village and its residents by the subject mine, and to request you to stop the illegal mining operation immediately. You had promised that you would inspect our village and the effects of the mining jointly with us and that if there is any illegality, you would not allow the said mining to take place.

It is more than three months since you promised to inspect the mine. In the meanwhile, the rains are finished and the illegal mining has commenced in earnest. We are in a desperate situation, with the illegal mining rapidly destroying our village, our water resources and our forests. We had written a letter to you on 23^rd September 2010 reminding you of your promise, but to no avail.

Please tell us what are we supposed to do, as we are being systematically destroyed along with our lands by the said illegal mining, while you, our Chief Minister, are ignoring our desperate pleas for over three months. The illegal mining conitnues unabated despite the representations made by the mining company that no mining is taking place in the said mine, and in contempt of the Bombay High Court Order dated 20^th September 2010 implying that no mining activities are taking place, and in spite of the ample evidence available with the government departments regarding violations of law by the said mine.

The following facts are again brought to your notice as evidence of the illegality of the mining being carried out:

1. Destruction of ground water aquifers and springs: 'Devapan' literally translates as 'God's sacred grove', signifiying the exceptional significance of the life giving ecological wealth of this hill. This hill has some of the most exceptional aquifers in Goa and is the origin of numerous perennial springs, including major ones called 'Paikachi Zor', Khaspurus Zor', 'Talyepat Zor', 'Bulmeachi Zor', 'Khuteachi Zor Ghogho', 'Mestan Zor', 'Gaunkaran Zor', 'Vanvshan Zor' and 'Gallachi Zor'.The present mining pit has already gone deep into the ground much below the permitted levels, and has burst one water aquifer, thereby destroying its integrity, the water quality and quantity, which is serious violation of the conditions imposed by the Environmental Clearance. This has already caused significant reduction in the quantity and quality of water flowing from many of our springs. The last two of the springs named above are inside the active mining area, with the 'Gallachi Zor' being destroyed completely and the 'Vanvshan Zor' is surrounded by mining activities on all side, with the water being used for washing mining equipment. Every day, the mining activities continue to destroy the crucial sources of perennial water contained within the Devapan Dongor, which water is the lifeline of tens of thousands of families living in dozens of villages along the route of Karka rivulet, Kushawati River and the Zuari River. We are certain that if the mining activities are not stopped immediately, more compartments of this aquifer shall be compromised, causing total and irreversible destruction in our village and in other parts of Goa.

2. Destruction of nallahs and buffer zone: The subject mining lease includes three nallahs, which used to carry perennial waters to our fields for cultivation of second and third crops of paddy, sugarcane, chillis, vegetables and for horticulture until the mining activities commenced. The mining company has not only compromised the buffer zones of the nallahs, but has also destroyed the nallahs themselves, in blatant violation of the law.

3. Mining Operations without necessary permissions: The Consent to Operate for the said mine has expired on 1^st January 2010, after which the mine has been operating illegally. During this period the mining company has excavated and transported huge quantities of ore illegally. As per the Orders of the Bombay High Court dated 20^th September 2010 (copy attached), read with the submissions made by the Government Departments, the mine is not supposed to be in operation. During a Hearing held at the office of the Chairman of GSPCB on 19^th November 2010, the representatives of the mining company also stated that no mining operations are taking place at the mine. However, the mining activities are continuing till date with impunity, with accelerated speed and urgency, proving the blatant lies and misrepresentations being made by the mining company.

We are willing to show you all the evidence regarding the above violations and the previous correspondence initiated by us with the various government departments.

We are again pleading with you to take this impending destruction extremely seriously, and hope that you shall not fail to keep your promise. If the mining is started again in our village before your inspection, we shall be forced to consider all options available to us in the face of the extermination of our tribal village.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Sd/-

Tulshidas Velip

Secretary

encl: documents referred in the letter

National Wildlife Board letter on Poi Palondikar illegal mine

2010-11-25T12:48:00.002+05:30

One die, Mining transport blocked in Colamb

2010-11-20T21:44:00.003+05:30

One Sanjay Nilu Gaonkar (35) of Ambaulim Quepem died on the spot in a Motor Vehicle accident when a maruti swift bearing No.GA-09-3717 driven by Suresh Krishna Gaonkar resident of Sulcorna Quepem dashed him at Colomba on Friday evening. As the vehicle involved in the accident belongs to a mining contractor and the villagers are facing lot of hardship due to the mining transport over the Colomba Rivona route the agitated villagers on Saturday morning stopped the entire transport. The Deputy Collector of Quepem shri Agnelo Fernandes made his presence at the site and tried to convince the villagers and requested them to make the road free but the villagers were not in a mood to listen to the Dy-Collector as they were already fedup with the mining transport. They demanded a written assurance from the Dy-Collector that the mining truck will be strictly monitored and demanded implementation of High Court order. Dy-Collector told the villagers that he will have a have meeting on 22/10/2010 to discuss over the issue, even then the villagers were not in a mood to clear the road. They further demanded the presence of South Goa Collector at the site to find a solution to the problem faced by them. After telephonically contacting the Collector the Dy-Collector informed the villagers that the Collector is unable to remain present. As the villagers are not ready to listen the DyCollector called the P.I. of Sanguem Shri Ekoskar incharge of Quepem Police station as the P.I. of Quepem Shri Sudesh Narvekar is no leave. The P.I. Ekoskar assured the villagers that the mining truck will be manage from Colomba instead of Tilamol. After getting the assurance from the Dy-Collector in presence of the P.I. that the mining truck will be monitored from Colomba instead of Tilamol, the villagers cleared the road.

GOAMAP objects to Alemao manipulation of mining employment statistics

2010-11-19T12:50:00.002+05:30

Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) takes strong objections to the manipulation of mining generated employment indulged in by Minister Churchill Alemao. Mr. Alemao stated that mining industry generates employment for 5 lakh people in an interview published in 2010 issue of UAE Goan Review.

GOAMAP considers this as the gross manipulation of statistics and demands Churchill Alemao to make the names of 5 lakh people employed by mining industry public. GOAMAP also wants to know from Mr. Alemao the break up of as to how many people of the 5 lakh are employed on contract basis and those on permanent basis.

GOAMAP is of the considered opinion that Mr. Alemao has been inflating the employment figures only protect his family businesses including his Minister brother Joaquim Alemao involved in mining that is rapidly destroying Goa.

GOAMAP however congratulates Mr. Alemao for admitting in the same interview that in case mining in Goa is stopped government will fall. This is very true considering that fact that it is the mining companies that are involved in running the Goa government. So from this it becomes clear that Mr. Alemao is totally insensitive to the gross ecological destruction of Goa including the western ghats and wants mining to carry on so that government does not fall. GOAMAP urges Mr.Alemao to wake up from his slumber and stop being advocate of mining industry.

Mining trucks overloading in Rivona-Tilamol road

2010-11-18T20:22:00.002+05:30

The villagers of Tilamol Rivona Complains that they have to constantly face the problem of constant traffic jam over the Tilamol Rivona road since the starting of the mining season. The movement of traffic on these road is so heavy that the villagers even find it difficult even to cross the road.

The concerned department since the death of Satish Rivonkar in March 2010 in order to ease out the problem of traffic jam on the Quepem Curchorem main road , the mining truck plying via Rivona Colomba side are regulated at Tilamol. The number of truck plying on these rout is so much that the line of mining truck from Tilamol extends upto Rivona bazaar over a length of 9 kms.

The movement of loaded truck from Rivona Colomba towards Tilamol and the empty truck moving in the opposite direction constantly leads to traffic jam, which causes unbearable hardship to the common man, Complains Mrs. Olinda Lopes a villager of Rivona. She further informed that the villager of Rivona in September 2010 had written to the Dy-Collector Quepem requesting there in not to park the mining truck on the main road but to park them at Pandova Sodo Rivona as suggested in a meeting held in April 2010 with the collector. But the Dy-Collector Quepem is yet to do the needful to root out the problem faced by the villagers. Informed said Olinda Lopes further.

The villagers of Rivona informed that the mining truck plying on the Tilamol Rivona road are not complying with the order of the Hon’ble High with regard to loading. "The trucks are overloading and the police deputed are not doing their duty to take action against the overloading truck that too inspite of getting this fact to the police" said Lopes further. Armed with evidence she informed that the mining truck plying via Rivona carrys two loading slips - one written by hand while the other is a computer copy. The computer copy mentions the exact weight while the handwritten slip mentions the weight as mentioned in the registration certificate of the truck. Evidence furnished to this correspondent confirms that the trucks carry more than 21 tons.

Photo annexed: Seen in the photo 1) A big queue of mining truck at Rivona near the school. 2) A Truck bearing No.GA-09-U-0672 operating from magnum Minerals Private Ltd. carries two slips one is handwritten which mentions the gross weight as 17,700 tons while the computer copy mentions the gross weight as 21430 tons.

In Ratnagiri its dangerous assault on enviroment

2010-11-16T11:19:00.004+05:30

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

Date: 09.11.2010

Sub: ASSAULT ON ENVIRONMENT BY DANGEROUS MINING (Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. , Mumbai COMPANY )

Government of Maharashtra renewed the lease in respect of Velas – Sakhari Bauxite mine site for the period of 20 years.( up to 29-11-2009)The lease holder Smt. Dhanavate gave power of attorney in respect of said mine site to m/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. , Mumbai in the year 2003.(Copy of Lease enclosed and marked Exhibit A , Please refer folder ‘Exhibit A’)

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board gave their consent to operate to the said mine site to m/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. on 17-06-2005 to excavate 4000 tons of Bauxite per month.(Copy of Lease enclosed and marked Exhibit B , Please refer folder ‘Exhibit B’)

However m/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Excavated Bauxite illegally before getting the consent from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Excavated Bauxite to the tune of around 65,000 tons in the year 2003-04 and 2004-05.This illegal excavated Bauxite was exported by m/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. During April-May 2005.Milind b. Nijsure , resident of Velas , Tal. Mandangad , Dist. Ratnagiri, filed the petition in Hon. Dapoli Court against m/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. on 26-12-2006 for this illegal excavation and export of Bauxite.( i. Copy of production report between 2003-2005 ii. Maharashtra Maritime board’s export report iii. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s notice dt. : 28-04-2005 asking Ashapure Mine chem.. Ltd. to stop the illegal mining.iv. Copy of Dapoli Court’s case filed by Mr. M.B. Nijsure.enclosed and marked Exhibit C , Please refer folder ‘Exhibit C’ )
M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Has violated all rules and regulations laid down by various govt. departments during their mining activity including D.G.M.S.Director general of mine safety has filed a suit against m/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. In Hon. Dapoli court.(Copy of inspection report of D.G.M.S. stating various violations and case papers are enclosed and marked Exhibit D , Please refer folder ‘Exhibit D’ )
M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Even went beyond lease zone area and excavated Bauxite, thus violating lease conditions.( Copy of Circle – Mandangad report showing lease violation and tehsildar- Mandangad letter to District collector recommending appropriate action against M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd., Enclosed and marked Exhibit E, Please refer folder ‘Exhibit E’)
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board appointed a export committee to study the various violations made by M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. at the said site and thereby its impact on the environment. The Committee noted various violations made by M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd.(Refer pages 3, 5,6 of report)(Copy of report enclosed and marked Exhibit F, Please refer folder ‘Exhibit F’)
Milind B. Nijsure along with Srikar Paranjape filed a Public Interest Litigation against Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. , MPCB , Govt. of Maharashtra , Union of India through Ministry of environment and forest in the Hon. Mumbai High Court bearing No.:137 of 2008.( Copy enclosed and marked Exhibit G, Please refer folder ‘Exhibit G’.)
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board gave their consent to operate for the said mine for the excavation of the Bauxite up to 4000 tons per month. However M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Has excavated roughly around 30,000 tons per month, thus violating the consent. Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. has given production report to District Mining Officer, Ratnagiri from April 2007 to October 2008. However Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Has not submitted the said report to Directorate of Geology and mining Nagpur. ( Refer Exhibit C)( Copy of Production report from District Mining Officer, Ratnagiri enclosed and marked Exhibit H, Please refer folder ‘Exhibit H’)
The said lease given by Govt. of Maharashtra expired on 29-11-2009 and the lease has not been renewed till today. The consent to operate of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board also expired on 20-11-2009 and MPCB has not given fresh consent to the said site till today. However M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Continues to excavate Bauxite at the said site beyond 29-11-2009 to till today. (In January 2010, Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. , illegally excavated Bauxite to the tune of 34, 500 tons which exceeds the previous consent of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board up to 4000 tons per month)( Copy of MPCB, Industry Ministry and production report upto march 2010 enclosed and marked Exhibit I , please refer folder ’Exhibit I’)
This shows that M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Is notorious for violating all rules laid down by both Central and State Government departments.Letters has been sent to MPCB; Dist. Collector, Ratnagiri; Industry Ministry( Govt. of Maharashtra), Ministry of environment and Forests( Central Govt.) to take stern action and reject / Cancel all their licenses / renewals and environmental clearances.( Copies enclosed and marked Exhibit J, Please refer folder ‘Exhibit J’.)
M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. has wrongly informed to Ministry of Environment and Forest and Indian Bureau of Mines through their EIA reports and mining plan respectively.In EIA report submitted to MOEF, the M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Has wrongly stated that the entire lease area is private waste land.In the mining plan submitted to IBM , M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. States "The mining lease area is barren land within vegetations like thorny bushes & shrubs. This area comprises private and revenue waste land without any agriculture."( page 4 of mining plan. Under " Land used pattern" Chapter.)I hereby submit few land records ( which are indicative) of survey Nos. 32,110,122,125 which clearly shows mango and cashew plantations in huge quantity. In fact some of the land owners had received subsidy from Govt. of Maharashtra under "Employment Guarantee scheme’s Fruit Plantation program.Thus this shows how M/s Ashapura Mine Chem. Ltd. Obtains various clearances from Govt. Departments by misleading them and hiding actual facts of the lease area.( Copies enclosed and marked Exhibit K, Please refer folder ‘Exhibit K’.Please refer Folder ‘Saat_Baara’ under above folder)
Place : Velas
Date : 10-11-2010
Sd/-
(Milind B. Nijsure)

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

2010-11-16T11:08:00.002+05:30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours faithfully

Sd/-
(Milind B. Nijsure)

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

2010-11-16T10:50:00.002+05:30

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

29/10/2010

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

Sir,

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

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

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

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

Thanking you,
Yours Faithfully,

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

Non-implimentation of Tribal Act

2010-11-16T10:41:00.004+05:30

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

29/10/2010

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

Sir,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanking you,

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

Questions that millions of common Indians ask Mr. Obama

2010-11-09T11:24:00.002+05:30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

for National Conveners Team

Contact : napmindia@napm-india.org | 9818905316

Chichinim oppose market complex in agricultural land

2010-11-09T11:21:00.001+05:30

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

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

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

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

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

Meet to protest sale of Vanxi island

2010-11-06T16:13:00.002+05:30

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOAMAP supports people of Vanxi island

2010-11-06T14:46:00.005+05:30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13th Annual NEST conference invitation

2010-11-03T22:47:00.005+05:30

NATURE ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY & TRANSFORMATIONS

(N E S T)

Email: ne_st @ rediffmail.Com

(ESTD: 1994)

13th Annual Conference

Green Movements,

Red Politics & The Blue Planet

on 17th, 18th & 19th DECEMBER 2010

Venue - SUBHEDAR FARM HOUSE RESORT

Banda- Vapoli Road,

Banda, Sawantwadi-Taluka, Border Town Near Goa

Sindhudung District, Maharastra.

Phone: 02363-270046. Mobile: 09421248455.

& Postal Communication:

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

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

269, Pandavaddo, Chorao, Tiswadi, Goa - 403102

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dedication:

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

Main Theme:

GREEN MOVEMENTS, RED POLITICS & THE BLUE PLANET

Subtopics:

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

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

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

4. Radical Feminist perspective: Vandana Shiva, Chipko movement

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

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

7. Environmental issue: NGOs and the State.

8. Politicization of the Green Movements.

9. Greening of political parties.

10. Exploring the viability of a Green Party.

11. In search of Alternatives

12. The role of the Green movements to Red politics

13. Red political understanding of green movements

14. Marx’s ecology

15. The dichotomy of Red politics and Green movements

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

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

VENUE

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

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

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF BANDA

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

ENRICHED WILD LIFE OF WESTERN GHATS

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

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

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

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

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

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

PARTICIPATORY CONTRIBUTION

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

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

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

4. No provision for TA.

5. Email the registration form in the following format:

Name: ___________________________

Sex ______ Age _____

Postal address with email id & mobile no.

________________________________

Registration Amount deposited _______

in words _________________________

Date & time of arrival _______________

Coordinators of this conference:

Jatin Naik

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

jatinnaik@hotmail.com

Mobile: 09764108540

M.C. Arunan

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

Mumbai- 400 026, India

Email: mcarunan@gmail.com

Mobile: NIL

Phone: (Res) 91-022-23512560

(O) 91-022-2507 2224

Rajendra Gad

Department of Physics,

Goa University,

Goa 403 206

rajendragad@gmail.com

Mobile: 09423883169

Vilas Parab,

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

Goa. 403507.

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

Sebastian Rodrigues

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

Email: sebydesiolim@gmail.com

Mob: 09923336347

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOAMAP condemns police repression on women protesting mining in Bicholim

2010-10-28T15:01:00.003+05:30

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

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

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

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

GOAMAP extends support to the Naveli villagers resisting mining industry.

Revoke Forest Clearances, Environment Clearances to Goa mines

2010-10-28T12:17:00.001+05:30

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Bicholim taluka Naveli revolts against mining industry, nine women arrested

2010-10-27T21:41:00.007+05:30

Today is yet another historic day in the life of Goa; yet another village revolted against mining industry. This time it is Naveli in Bicholim taluka in North Goa. At around 9.00 am women of the village stopped mining transport carrying overloaded trucks. Villagers saw the records of the trucks and they found that each truck was carrying 19 tonnes of iron ore from nearby mine. Legally they are supposed to carry only 10 tonnes of ore. The cost of each tonne iron ore is Rs. 5000/- in international market.

Villagers are upset because the mining company - Dempos Mining corporation- owned by Vedanta since June 2009, has caused siltation of their paddy fields. Villagers are demanding that their paddy field be cleaned of all the mining silt. Vedanta instead of cleaning their paddy field are offering to pay compensation. Villagers are refusing compensation. This fight has widened as fight against capitalism that is administered by clique of Saraswat Brahmins with villagers refusing compensation.

Due to mining silt villagers were not able to cultivate their paddy fields for two years. Goa government has decided to take over the agricultural lands if they remain uncultivated for three years. This year if villagers do not cultivate then they will loose their rights over land.

Women were arrested at around 12.30 pm and taken to Bicholim police station. There are various companies that are running the truck that were blocked today. One of them is PVG who is also running the barges with the blessings of top Congress (I) politicians including Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat who is holding Goa ransom to mining industry throughout his past 11 years tenure as mines minister of Goa.

After women were arrested by Police men came on the road and blocked transport for the rest of the day. Women were still with police custody till last report came in at 10.00 pm.

Text of the Jilha bandi order against Vaishali Patil

2010-10-26T21:21:00.001+05:30

Nuclear industry seeking to bulldoze the nuclear power plant in Jaitapur, Ratnagiri has allegedly got around Collector of Ratnagiri to violate contitutional Fundamental Right to Movement. Three people were served these notices. Former supreme court judge Justice P.B.Sawant, former High court judge Justice Kolse Patil and activist Vaishali Patil. The text of this order is in Marathi language. This is served on Vaishali Patil.

There is a program of protest on October 29, 2010 against nuclear power plant and this orders of the Collector is meant to counter protests.

Forest Rights: Poigunim MLA Tawadkar pressurise GAKUVED

2010-10-22T18:18:00.006+05:30

According to the just received reports Poinguinim MLA Ramesh Tawadkar has been trying to exert pressure on Devidas Gaonkar of Gawda Kunbi Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) over the Forest Rights Act 2006 implimetation.

Goa Government has sabotaged the implimentation of FRA 2006 by ignoring to constitute mandatory Sub-divisional Committees as well as District level committees. MLA Tawadkar instead of forcing the State Government to constitute them is turning the heat on those working to impliment the same.

MLA Tawadkar few hours ago has threatened to march to the house of Devidas Gaonkar with his BJP party workers to end end the process of implimetation of Forest Rights Act within Khotigaon wildlife sancturay jurisdictions. Villagers - mostly tribals here face routine harrsment from forest department. forest departeemtn also involved in regula timber trade.

Please intervene at this stage and support Devidas Gaonkar. Please call him up at his mobile number 00 91 9373210686. Also please call up MLA Ramesh Tawadkar and ask him to stop pressurizing Devidas Gaonkar. MLA's contact mobile is 00 91 94224416000, 9325901049. His Landline contact: 0832 - 2639069.

GOAMAP protests attempts to expand mining in Sattari

2010-10-22T18:11:00.004+05:30

Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) takes strong objections to the public statement of Mr. Vishwajit Rane that his Assembly election victory in Goa’s Valpoi constituency is green signal for mining in Sattari.

GOAMAP urges Mr. Rane to to behave as an elected representative and not as an agent of mining industry.

Mr. Rane’s vetting of mining in Sattari is baffling particularly because Sattari is showcase of mining disasters in Pissurlem and Honda villages. The Ecological and Public Health concerns of these villages has grown to deeply critical levels. Its agriculture is totally ruined. People in agriculture has created loss of jobs and employment and paddy fields has been left uncultivable. People there has become ecological refugees.

Mining is huge usury of wealth of Goa. Last year alone mining industry earned Rs.25 lakh crores of rupees and Goa government was paid less than Rs. 30 crores! Mr. Rane is involved in supporting this robbery of Goa actively.

The heath of the villagers of Pissurlem and Honda and even of nearby Kerim villagers who work in Pissurlem mines has gone for a toss with large scale Tuberculosis and Bronchitis due to high level of dust pollutuion. Mr. Rane as Goa’s Health Minister should have known this very well before misguiding people.

GOAMAP wish to remind Mr. Vishwajit Rane that Sattari is one of the major Western Ghats Talukas of Goa which is ecologically sensitive and mining is an enemy of this bio-diversity rich region of Goa.

GOAMAP calls upon the People of Goa to be watchful of the intentions of Mr. Vishwajit Rane and defeat his intentions of expanding mining in Sattari and other parts of Goa.

Soon, most of Goa’s earth will be deposited in China

2010-10-17T21:00:00.002+05:30

Click here to read interview with Carmen Miranda on Goa mining.

Goa tribes revolt against Curtorim Commundade

2010-10-17T20:45:00.003+05:30

The villagers of sao Jose de Areal (Nesai) held a dharna in front of the communidade building in Curtorim with placards . This silent and peaceful dharna was held to protest the new auction for stone crushers and quarry in the village of St Jose de Areal.

The attorney of the communidade Dr Ernes Rodrigues along with office staff met 4 representatives of the villagers to discuss the issue of new auction. The people questioned the attorney as to why only the hills of st jose de areal were subjected to destruction and not any hills from Curtorim, they accused him of safe guarding curtorim village and destroying St Jose de Areal, The announcement of auction was done only in Curtorim and maina church and why not in the village of St Jose de Areal and why not notices were sent to areal Church. The angry villagers asked the attorney whether villagers of areal were not humans and only Curtorim villagers were humans.

The attorney under pressure of hundreds of villagers standing outside the building who shouted at the attorney to come out of office, later agreed to give in writing and a written note was given by him mentioning the auction was cancelled for both days as mentioned. There was police personnel present in the communidade building. Soon after the letter signed by Dr Ernest Rodrigues was given to the villagers , slogans were heard and the villagers later had a peaceful victory morcha was held in Curtorim village from communidade building to the market, and ended in front of St Alex Church.

The villagers took a resolution in front of the church to demand the same land for cultivation, and hence forth villagers decided to keep strict vigil on the communidades in case of further plans of destruction of their village.

Tribes protest Panchwadi Sesa Goa mining road project

2010-10-17T20:19:00.002+05:30

The ST community of Panchwadi along with other residents held a meeting today morning at Mallar near vizar matt. The strong gathering was determined to stop the destruction of their pristine village by the govt and a mining company.

The meeting started with numerous speakers waiting to express their grievances and advice. Mr Cristev said that there exists a pathway, bullock cart track passing through survey nos 167,166,165,161,163,159,158,154,157 of village Panchwadi which these ST community are using to take their cattle for grazing, cashew plantation and for Kumeri cultivation.

The Goa government through the PWD is acquiring this road in the name of public purpose and handing out to Sesa Goa mining company for construction of mining road which will help the mining giant own a road private road from their mines to a jetty . This road is passing through the pristine village of Panchwadi and close to Moisal dam. The road which is illegal as there is no public purpose in it will destroy the ST community , pollute the Moisal dam which serves water to a large area beyond Panchwadi.

The dust and noise pollution which will arise due to this road will give innumerous trouble to entire panchwadi village and will even affect their health like the residents of Sanvorden and Quepem who suffer from tuberculosis and other diseases specially lung related.

The ST community and other villagers have decided to oppose any project that will destroy the environment of their village and will not hesitate to come on the road.

The people have earlier complained to all concern authorities but were all deaf with greasing palms.

Fishermens' 'No' to MPT onslaught on livelihoods

2010-10-17T20:11:00.003+05:30

11.10.2010.

To:

The Chief Minister,

Government of Goa,

Secretariat, Porvorim,

Bardez, Goa.

Sir,

This is to bring to your notice the bleak future that awaits traditional fishermen from Baina beach if the clandestine designs of the Mormugao Port Trust sugar coated with a cloak of philanthropy in the garb of constructing a fishing jetty for trawler owners at Baina beach is allowed.

In the first place, we firmly that it is the prerogative of the Government of Goa to decide and plan the infrastructure required in the state as it is best equipped to decide in the best interest of the people. Ironically, MPT appears to have usurped this sacred duty of your Government and gone ahead to sign a MOU with the boat owners without even consulting the Government, leave alone consulting the traditional fishermen who are also stakeholders.

Sir, currently there are around 1,200 fishermen community members besides the labour living off Baina beach from where they not only carry out their fishing activity but also live there as there are 90 residential houses along the beach. The MPT proposes to construct the fishing jetty at the Southern end of the Baina beach, which means all the fishermen living along Baina beach will be displaced.

Besides, if the fishing jetty is permitted here, the fishermen will not be able to carry out their usual activity as the trawler owners will not allow them to fish in the area. As it is right now the trawler owners harass the traditional fishermen in various means like not allowing them to anchor near their jetty and even compelling wholesale fish buyers not to purchase the traditional fishermen’s catch.

Sir, this would mean that the poor and marginalized traditional fishing community will be deprived of not only their residential houses but also their means of livelihood, which is quite contrary to your avowed mission of working for the aam admi and therefore, you have to intervene and put the MPT in its place and assert your Government’s prerogative to govern the people of Goa.

We also would like to bring to your notice that the MPT is proposing the fishing jetty – which incidentally is a huge project involving construction of a breakwater – that will definitely have an impact on the hydrology of the area and the ecology. It is indeed ironical that MPT is gloating about this project without even carrying out an Environment Impact Assessment study, which is mandated for such projects.

As you are aware, the beaches in the Southern taluka of Canacona are facing severe problems of erosion suspected to be caused by the development of the Sea Bird project at Karwar. If MPT is permitted to construct the fishing jetty as per the plans prepared by them, the beaches in Goa will be severely impacted which in turn would affect the flourishing tourism industry that has come to be the mainstay of Goa’s economy as the tourists visit our state only for its beaches, and if there are no beaches left, there will be no tourists coming.

In addition, the Baina beach attracts a lot of people because of its natural beauty and particularly during the summer season when various cultural activities are conducted on the Beach. The Government too uses the Baina beach during the International Film Festival of India, which has come to stay in Goa permanently.

We would also like to bring to your notice plans to displace fishermen from the Bimbeli beach which is a private property. Fishermen are given access to this beach primarily because it is a private property.

It has come to our notice that the Navy is proposing to acquire this beach to station a new squadron which would result in the fishermen being displaced from this beach too. Although the Navy says that it will issue passes to the fishermen and permit them access, in reality this will not happen going by the Maharashtra experience.

Sir, in Maharashtra, initially a radius of 500 mts. around installations was banned for fishermen. However, the same has now been increased to five nautical miles which translates roughly to around eight kilometers. If the same yardstick is applied in Goa, the fishermen will not be allowed to carry out their trade anywhere around that area as MPT seeks to push them to Bimbeli from where the Navy is planning to evict them.

A question that comes to mind is why should the Navy want to set up another squadron in Goa when it has such a huge base at neighbouring Karwar which is not really very far off. Besides, Goa has given more than sufficient land to the Navy and other armed forces of the country including the island of Anjediv for free.

Sir, we earnestly appeal to you to protect the interest of the traditional fishermen who are the aam admi that you keep talking about. Besides, you have every reason to stall MPT’s nefarious plans as it has refused to co-operate with you.

Therefore, we request you to take immediate steps to ensure that the houses and means of livelihood of the traditional fishermen are protected failing which we shall be forced to come on the streets to protect the interest of Goa and Goans.

Yours sincerely,

Sd /- Sd/- Sd/-

Agnelo Rodrigues Matanhy Saldanha Mohammed SS. Yakub

(President) (General Secretary) (President, Baina RFCOS)

C.c to :- Mr. Milind S. Naik, MLA, Mormugao Constituency.

:- Mr. Jose Philip D’Souza, MLA, Vasco Constituency.

NOTE :- A delegation of five representatives of fishermen from Kantem Baina and other parts of Goa and presented the letter to the C M. on 11^th Oct. 2010. The matter is as above. Thanks.

World Food Day – a reminder of our dependence on farming

2010-10-17T20:01:00.001+05:30

World Food Day ought to be a day to celebrate the sustenance provided by the earth to the human race and all living forms. The 8 billion strong and growing tribe of humans sitting on top of the food chain should feel exceptionally lucky. Instead, today this occasion brings first to mind numerous challenges being faced by the agriculture sector and the environment. The tiny State of Goa, which is being unscrupulously sold for real estate, mines, industrial estates and other speculative and unsustainable land uses, is on the verge of a collapse of its food and water security systems.

In Goa, there is an urgent need for introspection among the decision makers as well as the people. The State of Goa is blessed with heavy rains and the precipitation is trapped in the forests, the lateritic caps and the coastal wetlands to give Goa the ability to sustain a large population in self-sufficient villages. Goa is one of the places in India where ancient knowledge systems have survived from times immemorial, a fountainhead of wisdom necessary for the survival of mankind. This extremely tiny land hosts an incredible diversity of ecosystems, giving rise to a feeling of being in paradise. In this background, the rapid loss of agricultural lands to unsustainable land uses, fuelled by the large profits to be made, has created an emergency situation like never seen before. Blinded by greed, we have dared to mine in the extremely sensitive Western Ghats, permanently destroying what used to be heaven on earth. In the process, we have also lost forever our precious water. Similarly, industrial estates and even commercial housing have been indiscriminately imposed upon the lateritic plateaus in the midlands, without any consideration to the life-giving functions being carried out by the plateaus for the numerous villages existing at their feet, or for their religious and scientific reverence. Thirdly, real estate and starred tourism have changed pristine coastal villages into environmental time-bombs. The Government has also done its bit in many ways to hasten the doom, especially by ensuring that all Government projects are planned in the prime paddy fields being cultivated by poor ST and other farmers for centuries. This destruction of the Goan paradise is like living the story of the man who killed the goose the lays golden eggs.

GXE implores all Goans to take heed of the changing times and the challenges lying ahead. We need to mend our ways for the survival of the future generations. Saving our agricultural resources is today the biggest challenge. In this endeavor, the Government has to play a leading role by reversing the unsustainable policies of yesteryears, and it can start this process by immediately stopping acquisition of agricultural lands, and implementing the National Policy for Farmers, 2007, overdue for three years now.

Vanxim: Konem konank boll kellem?

2010-10-17T19:48:00.003+05:30

Vavradeancho ixtt hacher shapun aileli khobor tarik 11sept 2010 poilea panar zomin chorpeanim igorjek vanxim vikunk boll kelem?

Ganvcho fuddari manuel furtado ani ozone pongdacho karbari xri bruno ferrao hanchea sangneantlean ani to ek nirnoi koso, Bosco de souza Eremita pormonem te xapun ailele khobre pormonem ,lokanchea monan ek dubav utpon zala oso dista.

Goa ani her bharatachea rajanim LAND REFORM haddchem mhunn tea sorkaran tharailem .Tednam goimcho poilo mukhel montri, Bhausaheb Bandodkar 1961 goeank swatontr mellea upran ,agricultural tenancy act 1964 goa rajjeak lagu kelo.Tea acta khal zomin kosoilolea kulachea hokk'k rights rakhun dovorche oxem kaidean tharailem.

Tea upran kaideanchi sudharni korun fifth amendment of the agricultural tenancy act kaido korun cosoil teachi zomin zaunchi mhunn tea kaidean tharailem .Kullanchi zomin mhunge zaum ti , bhatkaranch, Igorjechi,Devlanchi,vo Communidachi tea kaidea khal kossit vikunk zaunchi nam mhunn supreme courtachea nirnnoi pormonem pass zalem.

Aiz munis zaun to dhormwadi bureaucrat ,nitidar vo sado munis porian poixanchem ashek lagun gorib kullanche hokk'k paeam pondak mostita kullanchi zomin kaidea pormonem vikunk zainastanam fotting ponan fraudulant means ti vikta .fotting ponan ti zomin vikunk ,nenar kullam lagim 3 toreche documents korta .

1.MOU
2.Affidavit
3.Power of attorney.

Hem tinuim documenta vorvim kullank bandun ghettat, ani boroun ghetat ki tannim kednach ti zomin korunk nam, mat ti chukun tanchea navar zalea mhunn dor kullanchi signature gheun tankam zommin bhairim kortat.
Maggie silveira sangneam pormonem 4,85,350 chourad metranchi zomin sale deed, sale transfer korpachi kagdam potram 2006 vorsachea feb 11 ver kelea mhunn ti sangtam zalear,vachpeank ani kaido somzotoleank ek vichitr weird kosem distam ani dubav zata.

Oxem dison eta ki zomin chorpeanim vanxim vikunk igorjek boll kelem? Vo igorjen vanxim chorpeank boll kelem?

Francis Rodrigues

Tiracol, Goa

Tribes questions mining in Curtorim

2010-10-16T00:34:00.002+05:30

The Scheduled Tribes Association of Sao Jose de Areal village, Salcete denounces the Public Notice in the Herald dated 8th October 2010 declaring the intention of Communidade of Curtorim to hold an auction on 17th and 18th of October 2010 for establishing quarries and crushers on common lands of our village.

The gaunkars of Sao Jose de Areal condemn this illegal and anti-people decision taken by the Communidade of Curtorim and demand that the same be dropped immediately. It is learnt that the Communidade has made announcements regarding the auction in Curtorim and Maina Churches on sunday 10th October 2010, but has not informed us, either directly or through our parish. By failing to inform us, the Communidade has exposed its vested interests and absence of bonafides towards the ST community of our village.

The hills of our village are common lands, traditionally used for sustainable uses only, such as forestry and agriculture in their diverse forms and housing for villagers. RP 2021 shows the hills of Sao Jose de Areal as Orchard zone and no development slopes. In fact, most of these hills are covered under social forestry agreements between the forest department and the communidade of Curtorim, as per agreements dated 5th June 1991 and 14th December 1992. The RP 2001 also shows these hills as being under social forestry.

During recent years, large scale illegal quarrying for basalt stone extraction has destroyed many sections of our hills. In spite of our struggles to save our village, the destruction has continued unabated. The ecology, water security, soil generation and the very survival of our village is dependent on the well-being of these hills. The sustainability of the large population of our village is not possible without these hills. It is essential that a restoration plan be prepared so that these hills are returned to their natural glory, rather than auctioning them for irreversible destruction.

The majority of the villagers of Sao Jose de Areal belong to Scheduled Tribes. The hills of our village rightfully belong to us, the original residents of our village, even though the custody rests with the Communidade of Curtorim on account of the historical ties between the villages of Sao Jose De Areal and Curtorim. The Forest Rights Act gives statutory recognition to our rights over the forests of our village and any attempt to alienate them from us is illegal under this new legislation. The Gram Sabha of Sao Jose de Areal has also unanimously resolved to stop all basalt quarries in our village. The villagers can no longer tolerate the pollution caused by the quarrying and crushing activities.

The auction proposed to be held on 17th and 18th of October 2010 is not only against the Commundade's code and the Forest Rights Act, but also violates the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, since the land is forest land. Therefore, the Communidade of Curtorim must take up a plan for the restoration of the hills, rather than to encourage further destruction of our village to fill the pockets of a few. As a sustainable alternative, we propose that the Communidade of Curtorim consider allowing the villagers to use the same lands for forestry, agriculture and grazing. The rate proposed by the Communidade for quarrying is Rs. 18/- per sq meter, and for crusher units is Rs. 8/- per sq meter. We are prepared to pay the same rate for our traditional uses of our lands, including cultivation and grazing.

We hope that better sense shall prevail and that we are not forced to take further measures to protect that which belongs to us and countless future generations from destruction at the hands of a few. We publicly announce our resolution to fulfil our constitutional duty to safeguard our environment and shall not allow its destruction at any costs.

GAKUVED objects to proposal to declare Khotigao WLS as Critical Wildlife Habitat

2010-10-16T00:23:00.003+05:30

30-09-2010

To,

The Chief Conservator of Forest,

Directorate of Forest,

Panaji, Goa

Sub: Adivasi Right to Recognition and Declaration of their Land Rights under Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Sir,

GAKUVED Federation strongly objects the decision of of the government to declare Khotigao Wildlife Sanctuary as 'Critical Wildlife Habitat' without settling claims of the Adivasi tribes and other forest dwellers under Forest Rights Act 2006 as it will be the total violation of Article 21 of the constitution of India. Article 21 of the Constitution assures the Adivasi tribes the right to their livelihood, right to their homes, right to their environment, right to their life and to live with human dignity.

Further to bring to your notice that in order to highlight problems related to land belonging to the tribal people in Goa GAKUVED has organized "People's Tribunal" with the theme "Restoration of Adivasi Homelands in Goa" on 30th & 31st May, 2009 at Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji, Goa.

I am enclosing herewith the 'Interim Observations' of the said "People's Tribunal" for your kind information and request you to take necessary action on the recommendations made by the Panel of Jury.

Hope the above request will be considered and the land and resource rights of Adivasi tribes are not denied.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(Durgadas G. Gaonkar)

PRESIDENT

Goa Monuments in grave danger with new Act -Interview with Prajal Sakhardande (Target Goa) An appeal to Goa Government‏

2010-10-08T12:13:00.002+05:30

Governor of Goa -Dr. S.S. Sidhu

Chief Minister of Goa - Digamabar Kamat

Opposition Leader Mr Manohar Parrikar

Mr Narendra Kumar - Secretary to Governor of Goa

Dear Sirs,

We as concerned Goans have a responsibility to highlight to you, our serious concerns, shock, dismay and protest at the highhanded manner that our rich ancient and priceless heritage is being put at great risk and immeasurable damage by the actions of the Government of Goa in making amendments to the original and perfectly comprehensive Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978, obviously with a vested interest and hidden agenda that is obvious to all.

While our concerns raised to you tend to be consistently ignored, we demand that you take cognizance of our wishes and aspirations. To that effect we stand behind Prajal Sakhardande's demands in this article from Target Goa that is appended for your reference. I also am attaching the news-report from the Times of India for your reference.

Unfortunately the well-being and interests of Goa and Goans are being sacrificed by the governmenmt of Goa to promote it's hidden agenda and vested interests, whether it be in the failure to of the Government to implement a Regional Plan per the demands of the people, protection of our Goan lands, environment, villages, pandering to the wishes of the Hotel Industry, Real Estate, Casinos, Mining Lobbies and now by this latest attempt to even destroy our rich heritage. Unfortunately "the Golden Hand" that our dear Chief Minister alludes to in his Third Year Anniversary self-congratulatory message makes a mockery of the common man and woman in Goa, by the very anti-people stand that the Government of Goa has adopted in all it's wheelings and dealings against the wishes of the people.

We are shocked how the interests of Goa and Goans continues to be crushed and how the Government of Goa seems to be doing it's utmost best in destroying our rich legacy, heritage and priceless monuments.

To that effect we strongly urge you to immediately respond to the communication that has been send by our Heritage Activists namely to you the the Governor, to the Chief Minister, to INTACH and to to every concerned authority. We are shocked that none of you have chosen to reply.

The people of Goa also ask that you de-notify this Act immediately and restore the status-quo failing which we endorse the decision oto file a PIL with the High Court.

Likewise may I request all concerned Goans to voice their opinions irrespective whether the addressed parties above chose to respond to you or not as from one's previous experience as well as that of Prajal Sakhardande's their intentional silence does tend to be deafening. Please share this message with all concerned Goans.

Roger D’Souza

*******************************************

Goa Monuments in grave danger with new Act (From Target Goa)

Prajal Sakhardande is worried that the amended Monuments Act gifts Goa’s monuments to any developer to re-erect or re-construct and no one can approach the courts to stop this robbery of our heritage

What are the amendments that have shocked heritage lovers all over Goa?

Our basic objection is why was the need for the Government of Goa to make any amendments to the original and perfectly comprehensive Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978. That was a good Act where the government was merely the caretaker of the monuments of Goa which belong to the people of Goa. The monuments were to be looked after, i.e. maintained, preserved and conserved by the Archaeological Department in a caretaker capacity. In the new Amendment to the 1978 Act which has been called The Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Act, 2010 the “maintenance” clause has been substituted to include “re-construction” and “re-erection” of the monument. It is also in force retrospectively from March 1, 2007. This means that the monuments – forts, churches, chapels, temples can be pulled down and rebuilt.

What are you specifically objecting to?

This Act is highly unconstitutional. It was made into an Act when the Bill was signed by the Governor of Goa Dr S S Sidhu. We object to a number of clauses in the Act; especially the one which says the Government of Goa can invite any other agency or private party to take over the monument. The private party, let’s say a hotel developer from Delhi or Dubai, or Mumbai, can re-construct or re-erect a monument and turn it into a hotel. It could be a Delhi hotel developer.

But surely you or I can approach the courts to stop the gifting away of our heritage?

You and I or any member of the public will not be able to go to court. This is by far the worst clause which says that the courts cannot take cognizance of any case filed by a member of the public. A suit or application can only be filed by the government or after getting permission of the government. And the Governor of Goa S S Sidhu gave his assent to the Bill seeking to amend the Act of 1978. That is why we have written him a letter expressing our fears and protest, but he has not chosen to reply yet.

Have you made your objections known to other authorities?

We have written to the Governor, to the Chief Minister, to INTACH to every concerned authority, but we have not received a single reply. We have to stop this Act. As a last, a very last resort, we will file a PIL in the High Court. We will give them some more time to reply to us. If they do not then we have to do something about it. This is our heritage they are playing with. This belongs to us and to the generations to come.

Can heritage activists work with the Church to get this Act revoked or restored to what it was in 1978?

Yes we can, because there are many churches and chapels in the list of 51 protected monuments.

What is the significance of the clause “in retrospect from March 1, 2007”?

If a letter of intent was issued to a developer on March 1, 2007, allowing him to re-erect or re-construct a fort, then he can take over the fort today and do pretty much as he pleases. We cannot stop him, because the Act forbids the courts from taking cognizance of any cases filed by the public. Our monuments which bind us to our past will be gone forever from our possession.

There are those who would say, so what, let the monuments be used commercially, at least the government will earn some money from them. Would they be wrong?

Yes, they would be wrong. Take a quiet village. The fort will be turned into a five star luxury resort. What is going to happen? Shops will come up, taxis, rickshaws, motorbikes, housing will be built for the staff of the hotel and all the ancillary industries. The poor will string up hutments in the fields and every vacant piece of land. Water and electricity will be diverted to the newcomers. The demography of the village will change with the number of outsiders pouring in. No sewerage, no waste management. Is that what we want? The villages of Goa will have to decide. And they will have to decide soon.

Can you name some of the monuments and the villages they lie in?

1. The Church & Convent of St Francis Xavier, Old Goa

2. Our Lady of the Mount, Old Goa

3. Santa Monica Convent Chapel of the Growing Cross, Old Goa

4. College of St Populo, Old Goa

5. Church of St Peter, Old Goa

6. Gunpowder Factory wall, Ribandar

7. Casa do Polvora, Panvelim

8. Chapel of St Jeronimo, Chorao

9. British Cemetery at Donapaula

10. Franciscan Church of Reis Magos which was the first church in Bardez.

11. Juvem Fort at St Estevam

12. Chapora Fort

13. Temple of Saptakoteshwar, at Narve.

14. Khorjuvem Fort is in immediate danger of being taken over.

15. Cudnem Jain Temple

16. Namazgah at Bicholim

17. Adilshahi Masjid at Surlapar

18. Alorna Fort

19. Shigao Cave

20. Cabo de Rama, Canacona

21. Gate of Rachol Fortress

22. Mormugao Fort

23. Agapur Madhavdev temple

24. Kundaim Cave

25. Khandepar Cave

26. Rivona Buddhist cave

27. Aquem Cave

28. Mahalsa Tank

29. Chandreshwar Temple Paroda

30. Pansaimal rock art

31. Kajzur rock art

32. Consua math

33. Vichundrem Naryandev temple near Rivona

34. Nagueshi temple

35. Kamakshi temple

36. Jain Bhakti temple Bandode

37. Ancient Site of Shantadurga temple at Kelshi

38. Ancient site of Ramnath Temple at Loutolim

39. Ishwar Bhat at Khandepar

40. Saptakoteshwar temple at Opa Khandepar

41. Tiracol Fort which has already been damaged by a hotelier

42. Our Lady of Saude, Sancoale

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New heritage Act is threat to protected Goan monuments - Times of India

TNN, Sep 29, 2010, 03.00am IST

PANAJI: All 51 state-protected monuments are under threat from a new Act passed by the Goa government, heritage lovers have alleged. They pointed out to clauses in the Act for reconstruction of heritage assets which, they warned, may be misused to alter the character of the assets and hand them over to private parties.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, members of the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) raised apprehensions about loopholes in the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (amendment) Bill, 2010. The legislation, which was recently passed in the state legislative assembly, seeks to empower the government to carry out re-erection and reconstruction. It also authorizes the government and permits "any other agency" to put any protected monument to re-adaptive use, members pointed out.

"All 51 monuments under the state archives and archaeology department are vulnerable," Poonam Varma-Mascarenhas, a conservation architect and GHAG member, said. She added that the clause about reconstruction may be misinterpreted to alter the character and aesthetics of monuments.

"Reconstruction is carried out in extreme cases of full decay as a last resort. It is the last of the seven degrees of intervention," Varma-Mascarenhas explained. Pointing out that re-erection and reconstruction are broad terms and have been misused in the past to alter the nature of monuments, she added, "The international charters for conservation of historic buildings decree that minimum effective action is always the best."

GHAG executive member Prajal Sakhardande agreed. Pointing out that the Mahadev temple of Curdi had been transplanted stone-by-stone from a site under submergence in the Selaulim dam area to a safer place, he said, "They did not alter a single stone during the process."

Varma-Mascarenhas said reconstruction can be carried out as part of policy in the original Act itself without an amendment. "But an exercise evaluating the historical, architectural, social and cultural values of the monument, to assess the degree of intervention required, is essential," she stressed.

Opposing the handover of monuments to private parties, the heritage lovers said the government's approach to conservation and exclusion of people in these matters increased possibilities of the Act being misused. The fact that Cabo de Rama fort had been omitted from the TCP list and re-included after protests raises suspicions, they added. "The monuments belong to the people and are entrusted to the government, which is considered the caretaker, in good faith," Varma-Mascarenhas said.

GHAG secretary Jack Sukhijia called the implementation of the Act, which was passed during the assembly's monsoon session with retrospective effect from March 2007, as "unconstitutional". "The clause barring courts from taking cognizance of an offence punishable under this Act is objectionable," Sukhijia said.

Sakhardande said GHAG has written to the governor raising apprehensions that the amendment may lead to the destruction of priceless history and heritage. "We are also trying to create awareness and have sought legal opinion. We may file a public interest litigation," he said. He alleged that the disappearance of the 13th century hero stone (Virgal) from Nagvem in Sattari may be part of an antique smuggling racket.

GHAG, which was formed on September 30, 2000, will, meanwhile, observe its tenth anniversary on October 2, with a cultural programme in Panaji, members said.

Who will save Goa?

2010-10-08T11:23:00.001+05:30

This is an interesting article by Hartman de Souza on recent visit of Western Ghats panel to Goa. click here for the story.

Kushawati in mining silt

2010-10-08T11:07:00.006+05:30

Kushawati river is flowing with Muddy water which is a sign of large scale catchment area of this river is disturb on account of ongoing mining activities.

Village sources of Cavrem, Maina and Colomba informed that around 10 to 15 mines are in operation in catchment area of Kushawati river which is responsible for increasing the torpidity of the water. Village sources further informed that previously muddy water flows into the Kushawati river only when it rains heavily and it used to get diluted within a day but now even without there being heavy rains the Kushawati river flows with muddy water which continues for days together.

Villagers from Cavrem and Colomba informed that the mining companies pumps large scale muddy water from the mining pits and releases it into the rivulet of Kushawati which results in increasing the torpidity of the water in Kushawati river.

John Fernandes

Goa Pollution board cracks down on illegal mining

2010-10-07T20:48:00.000+05:30

Click here for the story.

No CWH status to Cotigao

2010-10-07T20:45:00.001+05:30

Click here for the story.

Fish workers to observe protest day on October 29

2010-10-07T20:05:00.001+05:30

http://www.thehindu.com/2010/09/29/stories/2010092955720300.htm

Staff Reporter

Agitation against Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2010
------------------------------------------

Mass conventions planned on November 21

Plea to increase kerosene quota for fish workers

-----------------------------------------

KOLLAM: Fish workers across the country are gearing up to launch
strong agitations demanding the withdrawal of the Coastal Regulation
Zone Notification 2010 issued recently by the Union Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF), Kerala Swathantra Matsyathozhilali
Federation State president T. Peter has said.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, Mr. Peter said the decisions in
this connection was taken at a meeting of the National Fish workers'
Forum (NFF) in Chennai on September 25 and 26.

October 29 will be a ‘protest day.' There will be mass conventions on
World Fishermen Day on November 21. On October 1,5 the NFF will submit
petitions and suggestions about the notification to Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and leaders of other
political parties.

Prior to issuing the notification, ten consultations were held across
the country to obtain the views of the fishing community and other
communities living along the coast. But the notifications do not
reflect the opinions expressed, Mr. Peter said.

Demands

The notification seemed to totally ignore the long-standing demand of
fishing communities for their ‘right to live along the coast.'

According to the notification, 12 nautical miles of sea will come
under the MoEF and not the Union Ministry for Agriculture. This will
prove harmful to the fishing community. The notification neither
protects the fishing community nor the coastal environment, he said.

Mr. Peter called for an increase in the kerosene quota to fishermen.

Under the present quota, fishermen end up paying more for fuel than
what they earn from fishing. In order to protect the traditional
fishing sector more kerosene at fair price should be allocated.

He suggested the setting up of kerosene bunks under government control.

Federation general secretary P.P. John, Kollam district president S.
Francis and secretary A. Andrews were also present.

http://www.keralafishworkers.in
http://www.alakal.net

Jaitapur Nuclear Eclipse shadows Indian Democracy

2010-10-06T16:19:00.002+05:30

On 4^th October 2010 evening two of us from Goa found ourselves in Sakhri Nata for a fishermen’s gathering ‘machchimar melava’. It is a small town of Sakhri Nata on Konkan coast that forms an urban centre in Ratnagiri taluka in India’s Maharastra State. Indian democracy here is radiated with French company Areva locating their nuclear power plant with Indian government providing it with red carpet welcome. The surrounding is mostly of fishermen who fish in Arabian sea via mechanized trawlers and other small non-mechanized boats. Thirty years ago these two varieties of fishermen clashed with each other. Today they are clashing with world’s biggest nuclear power plant that is supposed to generate 10,000 mega watts of electricity. National Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI) prepared the report on this project but its scientists and technician found no trace of fishermen’s villages – Madban and others surrounding villages to suit the location of Nuclear Plant in thickly populated area. Scientists of NEERI are principal colluders in this deadly episode unfolding around 200 kilometers away from Goa’s northern border. In other words NEERI indulged in scientifically unethical practices to prepare a doctored report. And in order to make the reality as per the report government agencies has mounted tremendous pressure on the fishermen to leave fishing trade. It has banned Nepali labor from entering trawler citing that they are a threat to national security. As if Nuclear power plant on the banks of Arabian Sea is any less of national security issue. It has censorship and complete immunity from investigations from anyone including the Parliament. And now of course with Nuclear Liability Bill being passed in the Indian parliament Nuclear Industry dominated by USA and Europe has a field day. It is totally free to carry on the orgy of violence and deception, to remain as invisible as Alfa, Beta, and Gama rays. So fisheries are being pushed to fold up and let the control of Arabian Sea under the nuclear baron’s buttons. 5,500 crore litres of water from Arabian Sea will be used daily and after hitting it will be released back into the Sea thereby threatening marine ecology adversely. All this I learned in the introduction at the public meeting at Sakhri Nata by Vaishali Patil who is active in various protests movements that includes mining out of Western Ghats. Vaishali is keenly followed up by the Indian Intelligence agencies and in Sakhri Nata special sleuth from IB was there as an extended eye of the big brother. Number of people spoke at this evening public meeting video filmed by Maharastra Police. With Kaiga power nuclear plant just 22 kilometers away from Goa’s southern border in Karnatak already a reality Goa state is now is nuclear sandwich state with alarming consequences.

Pravin Dhawankar shared his experience of facing police violence while in struggle. He is involved locally to mobilize people against Nuclear power plant. He questioned if India is free after witnessing police mauling of protesting citizens in Jaitapur. Police moved in Madban village kicked every village house and even arrested few people. Pravin himself was arrested while he was sick and subjected to police harassment some time ago. He was sure about what is needed to be done: time to come out on the streets.

Madban Sarpanch Bicaji Vagdhare disclosed that Colonial Law – Land Acquisition Act 1894 has been imposed by the State to take over the land for nuclear power plant. He was clear in the resolved the struggle: government will be responsible for the consequences.

Nirajat from the organization called Lakayat gave lots of technical information to the public. The nuclear capacity is 100 times that of Hiroshima atom bombs. It would generate 300 tonnes nuclear waste per year for 24 years. This will amount to total waste of 12,000 tonnes. This waste will remain radio active for the period of 3,000 years as per the doctored government studies but actual nuclear life of the waste will be 1 lakh lakh (10000000000) years.

President of National Fishermen’s Forum Mathany Saldanha called for the political fight and asked the fishermen to join the national protest on 29^th October 2010.

Former Member of Indian Parliament Major Sudhir Sawant launched scathing criticism of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh branding him as an Agent of USA corporations – ‘Dalal’. He said that it is the foreign corporate who are responsible for setting up Nuclear Power plants in India. He said this is a conspiracy to blackmail India.

Justice Kolse Patil, a retired High court Judge called for peaceful protests and asked people to launch house to house campaign to create awareness. He said that Gandhi and Indian constitution provides enough resources for successful movement against the corporate in peaceful manner. He directed his salvos against the police repression and asked people to combine efforts to fight police out the Jaitapur: ‘Once police leave, nuclear plant will leave’. He declared that he will join the struggle against Areva nuclear plant on streets with the protesting villagers. He called for fearlessness in a fight till the end.

Thomas Kochery, a veteran in fishermen’s struggle in India who survived heart attack four times last year was again at his committed best and laid out the agitation roadmap for future tracing its roots into the past struggles. He observed that Government of India is incapable of handling Chernobyl type of nuclear accident. This is evident from the fact that Government of India has done nothing after the Bopal gas tragedy. He mentioned that all the nuclear power plants are planed to be located on the coast because companies want to dump all the radio active waste in the sea. ‘They want to kill all the fish. They want to communicate radio activity to all the human beings. 30-40 kilometers radius distance will affected with the radioactive waste. All future generations, pregnant women will be affected with radio active rays. We have to oppose because of heavy generation of Carbon dioxide (CO2). India has no plans to reduce CO2.’ He further added ‘we have to oppose new CRZ notification. By opposing CRZ we are opposing all the projects on the coast. Fishing communities are betrayed by Government of India. We have to rise up like 1991-97 protests against deep sea fishing policy. One crore fishermen had stood against this. If we rise up on the entire coast, all the political parties will come behind us. Agitation is starting on 29^th October 2010.’

‘There must be no fishing on 29^th October. There must be no selling of fish. No eating of fish. This is the beginning. Like how we blocked Bombay harbor, blocked Kutch harbor, Porbandar harbor, blocked Cochin and Vishakkapatnam harbor. 1994 February 22 entire fishing community went on strike – 100%. No markets worked. All political parties stood with us. This is the way fishermen responded against deed Sea fishing in India.’

‘Similarly we have to rise up and more and show on 29^th October. Rise up from all over India, from every fishing community. Victory will be ours.’

Nuclear eclipse of Indian democracy will hopefully go away with passage of time. It demands tremendous efforts in defense of life, livelihood, Western Ghats and my dearest Arabian Sea on whose shore I was born on a sand dune on a rainy day in 1973.

Arabian Sea has been playmate and a friend all the years in this life. In times of worst of difficulties I opened my heart to him. Now Arabian Sea has been threatened by Nasty nukes those responsible will only be dumped in the Arabian Sea. It does not matter whether it is Prime Minister of India or of France or any one else. Interest of Life on land and life on Sea take undoubted precedence over orgies of nuclear plants. Its time to fight. This is my cry. This is my beginning. Invite to join to defend my Arabian Sea. I extend my hand and waiting for you hold on to make a chain of hands across the shores of Arabian Sea. I call upon you to generate a wave to blow away dirty nukes from the shores of Arabian Sea. I walk with head held high and fear to none. My voice is my weapon. My mind is my fire. I share my spark so that you get ignited. I carry no wings of fire but live my footprints on the sandy shores of Arabian Sea. I have taken the first step. Next one to follow. Dirty nukes go away. Arabian Sea is not for you. I am a child of Arabian Sea and this is my command to you.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Land Grab threatens Goan Island

2010-10-05T21:27:00.004+05:30

Watch this video on Vanxim Island at this links. click here.

Doctor decoy for Gaunekar in Vanxim today

2010-10-03T21:05:00.005+05:30

Unknown man and woman today entered controversial island of Vanxim and canvassed that they are doctors and asked people to be their patients. The doctor couple has told the villagers that they will be beginning their practice in house that is under control of Mahendra Gaunekar, the man who has received Rs.25 crores as security deposit to clear this island of people and hand it over for corporates. The intension of doctor couple may not be difficult to guess: to clear the way for Golf tourism in the island. So called Doctors are looking for patients or victims is anyone's guess. Guess is easy to make. So called doctor also visited the sites where villagers had planted the vegetables yesterday.

Yesterday the islanders had carried on cultivation on the lands that corporates are looking to take over for Golf and starred hotel. Number of vegetable plants were planted by the villagers.

After plantation villagers erected the board near the Vanxi-Divar ferry point that says "Gaunekar go away!". People of the island are opposed to sale of their homeland to Mahendra Gaunekar by the Archbishop of Goa and have taken legal recourse to defend themselves.

Goa church oppose illegal mining in state

2010-10-02T23:20:00.002+05:30

IANS

PANAJI: Accusing the Goa government of shielding illegal mining in the state, the Goa Roman Catholic Church has asked people to "awaken" and save the hills, forests and tribals residing in the hinterland.

In a message to its flock on the occasion of Social Apostolate Day Oct 3, the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), the social arm of the Roman Catholic Church here, and Caritas, the Church's development arm, has accused the Congress-led coalition government in the state of "bad, insensitive governance".

"Should not the government have taken immediate steps to stop illicit mining activities? If this is not bad governance, what else is it? Goans, awaken and together save our hills, our forests, the ‘aam admi' of those areas and rest of us!," states the message titled 'Environmental Value of Biodiversity -- a Common Responsibility', a copy of which his available with IANS.

The message is endorsed by CSJP executive secretary Fr. Maverick Fernandes and Caritas director Fr. Valeriano Vaz.

Calling mining in the state "illegal" and "immoral", the CSJP has also said that illegal mining for iron ore was rapidly destroying Goa and the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, in which 104 operational mines in Goa are located.

"Environmentally immoral and in many cases illegal mining for iron ore is rapidly destroying Goa," the message states.

The Church castigates the state's politicians, accusing them of being blind to the loss of traditional occupations and livelihood of farmers and others who earned on the produce of the forest.

"Statements by politicians that this industry provides jobs to a large number of people and hence must be permitted to prosper, reveal how little these persons in power are concerned about the irreparable destruction of the lower slopes of the Western Ghats, the devastating pollution of air, soil and water which threaten the basic health and well-being of the people of the area, including the labour force," the message states.

The Church in Goa is an influential organistion with over 25 percent of the state population being Christian.

Illegal and unchecked mining is a sensitive issue in Goa, with both civil society groups and the opposition voicing their concern about the issue repeatedly. According to data submitted in the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly, ore worth Rs.4,000 crore was illegally mined and exported out of Goa to countries like China, Japan and Romania.

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar claims that nearly 18 percent of Goa's total 40 million mining output comprised of illegally mined ore. He has also accused Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and several of his cabinet ministers of being in hand-in-glove with the illegal mining industry.

Review of local communities struggle against mining in Goa

2010-10-01T23:30:00.002+05:30

Sebastian Rodrigues

Introduction

Mining industry in Goa is open cast with three major minerals: iron ore, manganese and to some extend bauxite. It has its beginning early twentieth century and exports of the ore began in 1948. The chief destination initially has been Japan. Gradually other European countries also entered as destination in later years. Towards the beginning of the twentieth century China surpassed everyone else as destination of Iron Ore. Protests against mining industry began during the decade of 1970s. They were repressed by the State police force. Renewed sophisticated protests swept Goa from 2007 onwards. Various organizations have played important role in politicizing the common people, and media. One of the distinctive features of these protests is the decentralized, autonomous multi-layered dissent by tribal groups and middle classes. The use of information technology to defuse State repression has been another key ingredient.

The Beginning

The mining activity in Goa starts during colonial era dominated by Portuguese political domination with the support of local caste and class elites. Portuguese steadily increased their hold on Goa after landing in Goa in 1510 on the invitation of local Brahmins wanting to overthrow muslim rule of Adil shah. This was done successfully. Muslim rule was replaced by Christian rule. Both the rules were of colonial nature. Portuguese went on increasing their hold over the Goa in the next few centuries. Goa has world’s longest colonial domination in terms of time. It ranged from 1510 to 1961. Portuguese was first direct European colonial powers in India and were the last ones to leave. Its basic concern remained in using Goa as a Port for trade strategy due to its appropriate location on the west coast of India. Spices were amongst the items that were mostly sort by the Portuguese and mining never crossed into their priorities till the early twentieth century when the German geologists were drafted in to undertake Goa’s mineral survey that confirmed the existence of mineral wealth in Goa. Over the next few decades, mining activity began with the manual digging of the earth – open cast mining. This technique of manual digging led to the export of 100 tones of iron ore to Japan in 1948. It went to Japan to contribute substantially towards the rebuilding of its war torn economy after US nuclear bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Japan continued to be Goa’s stable destination for Iron ore and manganese trade till date. China boom is an additional burden on the Goa’s resources without replacing Japan.

This involved granting of mining leases by Portuguese colonial rulers. Nearly 891 mining leases were granted with patrimonial rights to the individuals and companies that supported perpetuation of colonial rule of Portuguese in Goa. Portuguese granted the mining leases from 1929 to 1959. Technically colonial government had granted concessions – tutelar de cocessao . However Indian government through legal intervention changed it into Leases that needs renewal periodically and removed patrimonial rights to the lease holders.

The total areas covered under these mining leases touches nearly 68,000 hectares of Goa’s land in a distance of 95 kilometers out of total 105 kilometers from north to south of Goa. The mining activity was manual in nature and could not inflict major damage to the ecology at the site of mining even though rivers transporting iron ore were damaged early in the loading and unloading operations. Manual mining could not go deeper than ground water table. Hence it can be called an ecologically sustainable mining practice even though economically it is exploitative practice as few families usurped almost all the economic gains. This could be sustained because these entities involved in mining trade were stable source of support to the Portuguese colonial administration. This kind of arrangement is so typical of any colonial regime. It was mining companies that were major source of strength for Portugal to master audacity to continue that colonial rule in Goa even after India’s Independence when British rule came to an end. The Portuguese earned major advantage in this till 1961 when the Indian army intervened to end the colonial era.

Goa’s mining trade is deeply entrenched in global geo-politics. Because Japan wanted the steady supply of raw materials value addition in the form of manufacture is strikingly absent in Goa. Centre-Periphery relationship characterizes the relationship between Goa and Japan in mining sector. Japan buys Goa’s ore, indulges in value addition and then markets the finished products all over the globe. It is against the interest of the destination countries to let Goa develop its own industry. Hence these powers has cultivated a tiny yet rich coterie of elites that has kept its firm control over polity and media in Goa to effectively check mate any voice of dissent to these exploitative and dominating arrangement of power. The 1961 transfer of power of rule over Goa from Portugal to India cam about only after Indian then Prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru assured the local mining elites in Goa that mines in Goa would not be nationalized even though contrary was the situation in rest of India. This concession granted to the mining companies in Goa was a major factor that led to neutralizing of NATO strikes on India after Indian army marched inside Goa’s International borders. Nehru made very lucrative exception to the miners in Goa and that made them continue their hegemonic position in the polity of Goa during post liberation period.

Around the decade of 1970s mining industry in Goa began the process of mechanization of mining sector. The rapid change in the excavation process led to dramatic changes in the character of the industry. Exploitation that was largely limited towards economic sphere found itself flowing into ecological sphere very rapidly.

The Pressures on Ecology

With the introduction and intensification of mining industry ecological threat became gradually visible. Location of mining leases in the villages depending upon forest, agriculture and nature water bodies gradually became the targets of this predatory industry. The paddy fields began to be directly affected in number of ways. All the ways however are negative. Quite often the location of paddy fields became the site for the mining activity and peasants lost control over the land directly. Sometimes mines were located at a close proximity of the paddy fields and waste discharges were released in paddy fields with no control from state authorities. Sometimes mine in the relatively close proximity would be causing the drying up of natural water bodies that include drying up of springs that would supply water to village wells and village paddy fields. Sometimes the varying combinations of all these factors would cause serious social and ecological insecurity in the village.

The village level perception of ecological threats when viewed in combination with various other villages and topography some new level of ecological threats becomes visible. The first factor that becomes clear that huge chuck of Goa’s land is under mining activities some mines are in operation other can become operational in future. There is something particularly disturbing that quickly comes to the fore is that besides paddy fields and water bodies large number of mines are directly located inside the ecologically sensitive areas of western ghats range of mountains known as one of the dozen bio-diversity hotspot of the planet earth. Doing mining activity here could very dramatically cause huge amount of loss to the global ecological wealth. The second factor has to do with the topography of the State of Goa. On the eastern past the mountains from western ghats, in the middle are fertile alluvial planes and towards the west is the coastline. These three ecological regions falls within various zones classified under water shed map of India and are sensitively intergraded. Mountains from the Ghats harvest sunlight as well as water from the rains. Naturally harvested water is what causes fresh water perennial water bodies like rivers, rivulets, streams to flow onto the plains and supply water for agriculture, dams, industry and myriad of other things. Plains are also the approximate sites wherein the fresh water and saline Arabian Sea water intersect and gives form ecotone region. Coast of Goa is largely reclaimed from the Arabian Sea by the ancestors of tribal settlers of Goa – the gawdas. Their ancestors worked on the geography of Goa over the centuries to reclaim the fertile lands. This fact has been too often sought to be covered up by invasive Brahmin tribe with their Parshuram Arrow myth reclaiming the coast of Goa. Currently this coast is covered with tourism destination centers of attractions. Tourism industry depends entire on the water from the hinterlands piped from various dams – Selaulim, Opa, Asanaora etc all of which are facing threat due to rapidly expanding mining industry in the hinterlands. The three regions of Goa closely related to each other and mining activity is perceived as causing major social and ecological threat to the state of Goa fearing that this industry may turn Goa into desert besides providing body blow to the fisheries industry due to polluting of rivers.

Threat to water, threat to forest, threat to agriculture, are some of he major ecological issues on the horizon in Goa. These are the issues that State government that is dominated by mining industry as well as mining industry itself sought to put under the carpet escape its liabilities for over half a century of mineral usury of Goa. It was done through various formal and informal structures of domination.

Mining industry’s structures of domination

One of the favored tools of the mining industry particularly when the protest began to show themselves resisting mining industry was the use of violence through state police force. Mining industry in Goa never cultivated their private mafia. State police force would do their job perhaps for some off the record considerations. The first known protests against mining industry came about in later half of the decade of 1970s when the two villages in Goa’s northern taluka of Bicholim revolted – Mayem and Sirgao. Bicholim taluka has mines of number of mining companies – Dempos, Chowgules, Bandekars, Sesa Goa etc. Those who were involved in rebellion were arrested by Goa Police. Mere arrest that time was sufficient enough to demoralize the peasants. They did not know any way of surpassing police repression and suspended their agitation. Few villages peasants were offered money to suspend the rebellion. The decade of 1970s went about with these kinds sporadic protests with no co-ordination of politics of one village with another. No serious search for surmounting police siding with mining companies. These protests were exclusively were of the people directly affected by mining – particularly their paddy fields. Protests during this time evaporated yet the thought of havoc that mining ir ravaging their villages and need to do something remained in a latent yet simmering state only to resurface in the first decade of the twenty-first century. So the first mechanism of domination has been the use of police force.

The second favored structure of domination of mining industry has been the control of media. Mining industry with a remarkable foresight set up their newspapers. Dempos set up Navhind Times in English and Navaprabha in Marathi. Chowgules started Gomantak in Marathi and later Gomantak times in English. Salgaoncar started monthly magazine ‘Goa Today’ and later Konkani daily ‘Sunaprant’. These papers saw to that public attention never gets focused on the ecological crimes that their owners were indulging in. The remaining papers – Tarun Bharat, Rastramat in Marathi and Herald in English too did not carry any consistent exposition of mining industry’s ill doings even though their owners were not mining companies. Press in Goa suffered from three major defects – censorship by owners, self-censorship, and fear of the mining industry that was all pervasive in society. Overall it served as an effective structure of domination for mining industry till 2008 when media began to become increasingly vigilant, aware and ownership of few newspapers shifted away from mining industry, entry of Times of India in English, Lokmat, Pudhari and other publications in Marathi, and effective use of internet by activists in Goa to overcome limits posed by mainstream media.

The third favored structure of structure of domination of the mining industry has been the donations to the village temples. This is an informal form of structures that worked wonders for the mining industry. Paltry sum of donation to demolish and reconstruct the village temples would see that the village never comes to pursue the path of rebellion against mining industry. Psychology of the villagers is such that that they remain indebted to the donor for a long time. This phenomena is rampant is all over Goa and effectively exploited by mining companies. It is not uncommon to witness scenes of posh temples in mining ravaged villages. Religion has been hijacked by mining industries and people in various areas have not been able to put a brake on this trend. It continues to serve the mining companies. Related aspect here is periodic payments made as compensation for the destruction of agricultural fields. However of late number of people have refused to subscribe to the ideology of compensation.

The fourth strong structure of domination has been the hold over educational institutions. Mining companies set up graduate colleges – Dempos - and law college - Salgaoncar to make their presence felt in ideological spectrum of the society. Mining companies has also instituted fellowships for senior researchers. Dempos is one such example. Mining companies and their caste alliances are also involved in writing their history. One of the favored aspects of process is to establish hegemonic hold over Goa, particularly its tribes. It is project of conquest through ideological apparatus to further the agenda of domination not just of the mining industry but over the entire society through thought control measures. Mining companies also has significant influence over the senate of Goa University and its policies. It is because of this influence Goa University was stopped from granting central University status. It is because of this that Goa University has not set up centre for the study for centre of study of tribes in Goa. It is because of this that fees of Goa University are constantly hiked in order to keep the students away from access to higher education. To a large extend mining companies are successful in this venture. It is against the interest of the mining that higher education becomes widespread as the ignited minds will be difficult to curtail in their path if chosen to direct against the mining industry and their caste, class alliances that form coteries and select vice-chancellors.

The fifth strong structure of domination is NGO sector. Mining industry, after facing severe criticism from TERI report in 1997 set up its combine NGO – The Goa Mineral Foundation in 2000. It is working as buffer of public criticism on mining industry. It is involved in whole range of activities from dance classes, distributing notebooks for students, building of toilets, building of bus sheds, sending people for vocational training, watershed programs in one village etc. It has got full time staff that engages in all kinds’ activities except in criticizing mining industry. The funds for this are shared between various mining companies Sesa Goa being one of the prominent one. However it is important to observe here that this NGO of mining company has come as response to the protests against mining and to earn credits for the corporate social responsibility. Government of India in a draft mineral policy has cited this NGO as one of the examples to be replicated by the mining industry in India. On ground in Goa however it has not at all succeeded in diverting attention from core damage caused by mining industry. Nevertheless it is a structure of domination sought to be made effective by mining industry but has not succeeded.

The sixth strong structure of domination by mining industry is use and abuse of judiciary in Goa. After the intense protests this is a phenomenon that has come about providing some succor to the mining industry. Police cases are registered on number false pretexts’, people then are arrested, forced to take bail and then after some months charge-sheeted and cases gets listed in the courts. Then people are served notices at home by court bailiffs and asked to appear in the court on a particular date. After appearing in the court the next date is given for appearance. Judiciary’s role in mining belt of Goa has been largely to frustrate the protesting people. Mining companies aim exactly that. Currently there are over 300 cases in various courts of Goa against various people protesting mining industry’s onslaughts. The state government has the power to withdraw these cases but since the mining companies are using the State government as their executive committee these cases are carrying on. Goa Chief minister Digambar Kamat holds a portfolio of mining minister for over past 15 years and shares personal interest in the continuation of mining industry. He has a family ties with mining companies. In this scenario Judiciary has been used to further the agenda of the mining companies. Judiciary was also used to silence the vocal critic of the mining industry – the author of this paper – by Fomentos by filing civil defamation suit of Rs.500 crores in Calcutta High Court, Kolkatta for his online writings on blog belonging to Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED). Mining companies are using Judiciary as the very reliable structure of domination.

Seventh strong structure of domination of mining industry is EIA[1] and Public Hearings. These are paid for by mining companies are thoroughly rigged in almost all the cases in numerous manner. EIA studies are tailored not to the objective reality on ground but to suit the interest of the mining companies. This is because it is the mining companies that are financing the EIA studies. On the day of mandatory hearings there is manipulation in terms of venue – very often it is held in minister’s cabin in a far away place from the mining site. MoEF is guilty of ignoring public opposition to mining projects all over Goa and sanctioned environmental clearances there by establishing colonial relationship between the Central government and people of Goa.

Protest agitations against mining Industry

It was 1^st April 2001 that the author got agitated on the issue of open cast iron ore mine in Goa. It was at one august gathering of environment lovers in Old Goa that one youth –Vassudev Porob- from Pissurlem village of Sattari taluka got up to intervene in the discussion on Mhadei river diversion by Karnataka Government thereby depriving Goa of water flow. Vassudev Porob sharply focused on his water rich village yet not a single drop existed in village wells due to continuous pumping out of water by mining companies thereby depleting ground water. Hence agriculture was not getting water; cultivation of paddy was becoming impossible.

He barely finished speaking for couple of minutes when a scientist and former director of National Institute of Oceanography Dr. Untawale sprang up from his chair to scold Vassudev for speaking against mining in public “You must never discuss mining in public”. The author challenged Dr. Untawale and declare that not only should all speak loud against mining industry in Goa but also invited everyone at the meeting to a sit –in or Dharna outside the office of mining company in Goa’s capital city of Panjim.

After this it was huge learning experience, very often understanding through roving of boat backwards in time to know what to expect in future that spread vast open before ones mind. Every month one visit to Pissurlem became discipline for the next three years. Learning was not easy. Every visit would contribute towards weakening of chest that was already weak with tuberculosis as first 14 years has been in mining area. Memories of childhood and playing with dust were constant companion on every time author would visit Pissurlem. It downed on author that while family was rotting in dust from 1973 to 1987 - till the family left the place as sickness hounded, and dust made life impossible – there was none to raise the voice and protest. Some how survived the ordeals of childhood and early youth to speak out today.

Agitations in Goa’s minng belt has been spurred for various reasons. In Pissurlem it was because of refusal of additional bucket of water that a villager Pandurang Porob was attacked by Chopper and causing injuries to his legs. Pissurlem is totally at the mercy of mining companies to supply them with water after village wells, springs, natural tanks, and ponds are rendered dry by unsustainable open cast iron and manganese mining carried on by at least 5 mining companies.

Another villager Hanumant Porob was arrested and imprisoned for protesting against mining silt in the village agricultural fields that once prided itself being highest yield giver in the Sattari taluka. Mining companies have not yielded to the demands of the Pissurlem villagers are compelled to get into mining trucks business themselves. There cannot be any greater tragedy than this one unfolding in Pissurlem.

Colamb village in Sanguem taluka is blessed with people who refused to barter their land for money offered by mining companies. As a result there has been number of protests against the mining companies. Number of times Police force is pitted against them and arrests are effected. There are at least half a dozen charge sheets filed against Colamb villagers in various combinations and they now has to regularly report themselves to the Courts in Quepem and Sanguem towns. People from various other parts of Goa – including those from Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), Ganv Ghor Rakhan Manch (GGRM), and Nature, Environment, Society and Transformations (NEST) has also regularly visited and offered solidarity to the Colamb villagers. Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) played important role to support Colamb villagers from 2007 till date and helped to make it State level issue through the morcha it organized on December 10, 2007 Human Rights Day in Quepem. Brother Philip Neri de Souza has played very crucial role in Colamb resistance from 2001 upto 2007. Colamb villagers due to their resolute decision to oppose mining were even threatened with ‘Tadi par’ by then Police Inspector at Quepem Police Station Santosh Desai. ‘Tadi par’ sentence is meant to prohibit the villagers from entering into the administrative jurisdictions of South Goa.

On one occasion nearly ten people from Colamb protesting against mining were arrested, criminally charged and photographed at Quepem Police Station with slates around their necks. This is a practice used on hard core criminals. Industry-Police nexus in this manner sort to de-legitimize and criminalize the protests against mining industry in Goa.

Uncompromising stand of Colamb villagers against mining industry attracted higher level of collusion between Fomento mining company and the Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar and in June 2008 People of Colamb along with author of this article was tagged as Naxalite in the Goa assembly. This however instead of daunting the spirit of the protest of the Colamb villagers further widened across the State of Goa. The jam packed meeting on 23 June 2008 at T.B.Cunha hall, Panjim will be remembered in the books of history as creating a wave of second liberation of Goa from the mining industry.

After this attempt of the mining industry was foiled Fomento filed defamation suit against the author of this article for Rs 500 crore in Calcutta High Court stating that the company is has suffered losses in business after some customers read the blog www.mandgoa.blogspot.com and terminated their contracts to buy ore from Fomentos. This scare tactic again failed as the rising public opinion against mining industry further popularized the online writings of this author.

Dora de Souza, a woman aged 80 plus chained herself to the mine operated by Dinar Tarcar in Maina, Quepem in October 2009. She along with 7 others were arrested – four were beaten up by mining company’s goons led by Subhas Phaldesai, then Balli South Goa Zilla Parishad member- criminal cases filed and imprisoned for two days.

Motes Antao from Colamb has been arrested number of times. One month ago he was arrested by Goa Police stationed at Quepem Police Station because he filed application under Right to Information Act 2005 asking the detail information on assets held mining trucks owned by police officials including PI Santos Desai who is currently posted at Margao Police Station. Motes was called at the police station under the pretext of collecting information sought under RTI and detained over some case the Fomento mines manager in Colamb had filed against him ten months earlier.

Lawyer John Fernandes was charged for attempt to murder during a lathi charge on villagers of Ambaulim, Quepem in December 2008. Several people were injured during the lathi charge on villagers that were protesting against dust pollution caused in their village by mining trucks. Several people were arrested and criminally charged. PI Santosh Desai led the Lathi charge on protestors. Advocate Fernandes was again physically abused by the agents of the mining companies in 2010. It here that public organized around Adv. Fernandes and staged one day hunger strike in front of Quepem police station forcing the police authorizes to criminally book the assaulters.

Determination of Colamb villagers infused courage to number of other villagers affected by mining industry. Advalpal in Bicholim revolted in May 2008 in spite of earlier compromises with the mining companies. Over 70 people were arrested and criminally charged. Akash Naik, a nine-year-old school boy supported by Goa Foundation in September 2009 got a stay order from Goa bench of Bombay High Court against marauding Sesa Goa mine owned by British corporate Vedanta listed on London stock exchange. The litigation is currently going on in the Court.

Sirgao villagers in Bicholim taluka revolted against this 40 year old industry in village and filed Public Interest Litigation in Goa bench of Bombay High Court. High Court appointed Nagpur based National Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI) to conduct a scientific study. NEERI report submitted to the Court stated that agriculture and water bodies are negatively affected by three open cast mines operating in Sirgao village. NEERI in another case in the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court submitted a report that June 2009 floods in Advalpal was caused due to mining activities in the village. The case is currently on.

Wide spread nature of protests against mining has led to the emergence of coalition of mining affected villages in August 2008. It is known as Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP). GOAMAP has raised the issue of mining destroying Goa’s ecology and livelihoods at number of forum. On September 22, it raised the issue with banks financing Vedanta mining company at a meeting organized by Bank Track from Netherlands and Urgewald from Germany held at Amnesty International Headquarters in London.

Large number of People across the board has lent their voice and support the movement to defend Goa from being swallowed by mining industry. They are artists, teachers, writers, professionals, People in Media they have done it in the way of their own. Few deserve special mention Kurush Canteenwala who was prison colleague of this author at Margao Judicial Custody in October 2008 has made a video documentary on Goa’s mining struggles titled – ‘Goa Goa Gone’. We both were assaulted in Maina while filming protests led by 82 year old Dora de Souza accompanied by her daughter Cheryl de Souza Sanfransisco and other supporters including Fr. Mathias D’Cunha. Police force led by PI Santos Desai colluded with the mining company goons and merely watch protestors being beaten up. He then arrested and criminally charged the protestors and did nothing of those who were involved in the attack though he was a personal witness. Present on the occasion Kurush made an impressive documentary “Goa Goa Gone”and 30th October 2009 it won national award for best Environmental documentary at Vatavaran Film Festival organized by Centre for Media Studies in Delhi. It is Indian Nation lending its voice to rising wave of voices against mining industry in Goa. This documentary was used to create awareness of public in Goa since the time of its release and later further up gradation.

Ramesh Gauns, a teacher from Bicholim has successfully blocked commissioning of Zantye’s iron Ore mine at a village where he has been teaching for the past over two decades – Sarvona in Bicholim taluka. He used agitation modes as well as judiciary to his advantage. Particularly important is the use of Right to Information Act 2005 to get hold of key documents of the mining industry.

Claude Alvares and Norma Alvares have rendered huge service to the State of Goa. This Alvares couple has several occasions successfully used judiciary against mining industry. Latest has been thwarting attempts by mining industry to mine Goa’s Wildlife Sanctuaries. There other cases such as on dust pollution that is aided by Goa Foundation in litigation stage.

Sangamitra Mainkar, Prabhakar Dhage, Carmen Miranda, Wendell Rodricks, Maria Aurora Couto, Venita Coelho, Hartman de Souza, Advocate Ritwick Dutta are other notable people that has lent their valued loud voices to the protests against mining in Goa. Trade Unionist Christopher Fonseca of AITUC in Television interview in June 2009 referred to the protest movements against mining as “Prophetic Voices and Goa is lucky to have them.” CITU workers union has also initiated dialogue with the people protesting against mining in Goa. Overall there is growing consensus that in the long term interest of Goa mining industry in Goa has to be shut down. Voice of protest against mining industry can be heard from Colamb to Sirgao, Nuem-Khola to Advalpal, and Bicholim to Usgao. This is a beginning of change in power relations and power structure in the State of Goa. Goenchea xetkaracho Ekvot (GXE) got into working alliance with Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) in January 2010 and since have been working in coordination with each other. One of the fruits of this collaboration has been bus trips to Goa’s mining belt that took people on tour to mining areas from April to June 2010 on every Sunday. This helped to further broadening the contours of ecology movement in Goa by letting first hand exposure to people from various walks of lives who otherwise seldom visit mining areas, to see the mining reality of Goa.

In February 2010 Union Minister of Environment and Forest put a moratorium for any further mining in Goa till comprehensive cumulative EIA is undertaken some agency like NEERI, Nagpur. This has been perceived as a direct result of the campaign against the mining industry in Goa and the ability it has acquired to influence policy maker s of the country.

Delhi High Court has truck down nearly three environmental clearances given by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) largely due to the effective coordination between the protestors in Goa and lawyers in Delhi. Appellate authority too has struck of Pirla mine in south Goa after sending its judge on site visit to Goa.

MoEF through its regional office based in Bangalore has initiated direct discussions on mining with the protestors, government officials, and the mining companies in 2010. First round of discussion took place in February and the second round in May. This if nothing has bestowed certain amount of official legitimacy by official agencies. It is called a round table on sustainable mining, the first of its kind in India. Although there is hardly any possibility of sustainable mining it is looked upon as a very important occasion to further that agenda of the protest movement that has found base in middle classes of Goa and people of Goa settled abroad.

Media in Goa took a u-turn on mining from 2008 onwards and there is increased coverage for mining issues in Goa. This was possible largely by lobbying of activists with media and dramatic naming of blog[2] dealing with mining and tribal issues in Goa as promoter of naxalite ideology in Goa Assembly by the leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar. Media attention to mining issues since then has never waned away. The use of internet played two important roles. First to make the issue of mining internationally know and get people from all over the world interested in mining issue. There was an advantage particularly Goa being well known tourism destination. Predictable it attracted outstation media and researchers to cover mining issues in Goa. Secondly, it bestowed freedom from censorship by vested interests that act as gatekeepers of information. Even though things remained less in terms of its reach, blog served as reference point for important resources on mining and land movements in Goa. Internet came particularly handy while dealing with police repression on villagers in various parts of the State in demanding their release. Messages were sent on mailing lists particularly on Goanet that has subscription of over 30,000 people across the globe. Publishing of photos of environmental destruction caused due to mining companies online and companies involved named. This led to increasing discomfort of mining companies with the protestors and increasing public support for the bold online exposures. The fear of mining industry that lasted in Goa for half a decade began to evaporate gradually from the 2007 onwards when GAKUVED marched on the streets of Quepem on 10 December 2010. Within next few days couple of mines were attacked by the villagers and forced to shut down.

There is also wide ranging on ground collaboration with various activists formations dealing with wide range of issue towards evolving a strategy of coordination of politics between the coast and the hinterland. This has helped in filling up loose ends providing necessary input to tackle wide range of challenges.

Conclusion

Protest against mining in Goa is modeled on decentralized, absence of any single command structure. Multiple critical agencies are working against mining to suit their priorities without any kind of coercion on any one. People that are involved are because they are convinced about the issues involved. Each group formations retain their own autonomy in decision making. NGOs, grassroots groups, support groups, teachers, intellectuals, media are playing their own role after self realization. Anti-mining movement has acquired necessary potency to attract newer people into its fold and sustain those already involved with new challenges. Amongst the new challenges before the ecology movements in Goa is to devise strategies formulate concepts that would facilitate transformation of the current upheaval into political power that would rise up from below and penetrate effectively in the process of governance. This needs to be achieved by defining and re-defining the relationships with political parties and understanding system of governance in place. If the movements in Goa are able to make headway in this direction then it would certainly be new leap for movement, new leap for Goa.

Note: This paper is presented at the consultation on ‘optimizing biodiversity and social security in mining areas: an earthy vision’ organized by Balipara Tract and Frontier Foundation, supported by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Development Alvernatives in Pune on 30^th September 2010.

[1] Environment Impact Assessment

[2] www.mandgoa.blogspot.com

What mining is doing in Goa’s tribal areas: Police and Public Health

2010-10-01T23:21:00.002+05:30

This paper accounts for some indicators of change in tribal habitation villages of Goa with special focus on Colamb in Rivona Panchayat jurisdiction in Sanguem taluka. The paper is a product of joint efforts of Durgadas Gaonkar, Dr. Avadoot Prabhudesai, Advocate John Fernandes, Rama Velip and Sebastian Rodigues on the occasion of visit of Western Ghats Expert panel members to Goa for a meeting on 27^th September 2010.

The revenue village of Colamb in Sanguem has a population of 2594 people as per 2001 census. 1514 of these belong to Scheduled Tribes communities of Gawda and Velips. The village has a total land of 1929 hectares. The village also has 23 mining leases/concessions granted by Portuguese colonial state before 1961 Goa liberation and are yet to be cancelled by free Indian State. These mining leases cover 1510 hectares of village land. People are dependent upon agriculture and forest for their livelihood. The education level of people here is relatively low. This village is a part of catchment area of Selaulim water dam that supplies water to over 50% of Goa. Nearly 5 mines (efforts are on to start several more) are in operation in the village thereby causing tremendous risk to the villagers life and life support systems. Villagers rose in mass revolt in 2007 and since then continued their agitation pushing the issue of mining in the mainstream political consciousness of Goa. Villagers have been booked under various criminal cases chiefly by the Fomento mining company that operates Hiralal Khodidas mining lease. Various villagers have been affected with negative health effects and hostile socio-economic fallouts.

Quepem taluka has a tribal population of 25,396 people while Sanguem taluka has a tribal population of 15,602 people. Most of whom are either wage employed or self-employed in agriculture as per the Survey report on Scheduled Tribes of Goa (Gawda, Kunbi, Velip) published by department of Social welfare in February 2004. Both these talukas are the targets of predatory mining industry and tribal people have their survival at stake. Colomba village falls in Sanguem taluka but shares border with Quepem taluka.

The legal entanglements

The villagers are target of Fomentos corporate strategy of filing criminal cases against anyone who is involved in protests. Although this is evident all over Goa this paper is restricted in its scope only to Colomba. The company has so far filed 69 criminal cases at Quepem Police station. In all these cases charge-sheets are filed and court cases going on before JMFC Sanguem.

In addition to this Fomentos has also filed civil case no. 23/08 before civil judge, Senior Dvision, Quepem by the legal heirs of Hiralal Khodidas mine Uday Gosalia against 80 people from Colomba. This mine is operated by Fomentos. The corporate hold over the Judiciary can be gazed from the fact that Ex-parte order was granted by Quepem Court against the villagers – without hearing the side of the villagers. Gosalia subsequently has filed two contempt petition against Colomba villagers for violating Court injunction.

The list of criminal cases includes as follows:

1. Case Cr. 43/s/2010 against seven people under section 143, 341, 506, r/w 149 IPC for the offence: restraining of trucks into Hiralal Khodidas Mine and further threatening staff and security personnel of the complainant. Complainant is Chandrakant Patil, Mines Manager of Hiralal Khodidas mine. The seven people in this case includes Egypt D’souza, Rama Velip, Motesh Antao, Dumena D’Souza, Tulsidas Velip – whose house has developed cracks due do blasting by Fometos, Babani Amolkar, and Chandrakala Gaonkar. The complaint filed on 28/11/2008.

2. Case Cr. 15/s/2009 before JMFC Sanguem against Tedoz Antao under sections 341, 323, 427, 506 (II) of IPC. The offence: Wrongful restraining of complainant, assault with fist blows, damage to spectacles. The complainant here is Yeswant Salunke, Security officer, Hiralal Khodidas. He filed this complaint on 14/11/2008 and date of offence allegedly committed is 13/11/2008.

3. Case Cr. 71/s/2008 before JMFC, Sanguem against 7 people under sections 143, 147, 447, 341, 606 (II), 427, 504, r/w 149 IPC. The seven people here includes Egypt D’Souza, Telu Dias, Rama Velip, Motesh Antao, Dumiana D’Souza, Shanta Velip, and Xavier Fernandes. The complainant Surya Naik has given his description on police records as ‘agent of Fomento’. The nature of offence: House and car was damaged by the accused on 13/11/2008. So far ten hearings of this case took place and Inspecting Offfcer (I/O) Arvind Nagekar has remained absent in all instances. As a result judicial process has got stuck and people has to repeatedly make trips to the courts in futility. The ten instances when this case came up for hearing includes 1/12/09, 30/12/09, 12/1/10, 15/2/10, 23/3/10, 26/4/10, 6/7/10, 31/7/10, 21/8/10, and 18/9/10.

4. Case Cr. 70/s/2008 before JMFC, Sanguem against 22 people under section 143, 147, 148, 341, 352, 447, 504, 506 (II) r/w 149 IPC. The 22 people includes Egypt D’souza, Rama Velip, Ruzario Antao, Simao Antao, Chandrakant Gaonkar, Tulsidas Velip, Sulaksha Gaonkar, Tedoz Antao, Vithoba Gaonkar, Vincent Dias, Motesh Antao, Manuel Dias, Dumen D’suza, Purso Gaonkar, Telu Dias, Salvador Dias, Rajnikant Velip, Jason Sequira, Sebastiao D’souza, Natividade Fernandes, Shanta Velip and Palmira Dias. The date of offence is 21/1/2008. The nature of offence is Unlawful Assembly, Armed with dandas, trespass into mining premises, wrongfully restraining complainant, abused him and other mine staff and further came to assault and threaten with dire consequences. The complainant here is Atul Bokade, Mines Manager, Hiralal Khodidas Mines.

5. Case Cr. 1/s/2009 against 17 people under section 143, 147, 447, 341, 506 (II), 427, 504 r/w 149 IPC. The 17 people includes Utabai Velip, Surya Gaonkar, Telu Dias, Egypt D’souza, Kalavati Velip, Vincent Dias, Dumena D’souza, Chandrakant Gaonkar, Premdas Velip, Alexo Dias, Agnelo D’souza, Caitan Barreto, Baby Dias, Bhagirathi Velip, Shanta Velip, Gouca Antao, and Kalidas Naik Gaonkar. Date of offence is 30/12/2008. Nature of offence: Unlawful assembly, trespass into mine premises, wrongful restrained mine workers, abused them with filthy words, threatened them with dire consequences. The complainant here is again Atul Bokade, Mines Manager, Hiralal Khodidas Mines.

6. Case cr. 72/s/2008 against 15 people under section 143, 341, r/w 149 IPC. The 15 people includes Arjun Velip, Tulsidas Velip, Rama Velip, Motesh Antao, Egyp D’Souza, Telu Dias, Vincent Dias, Rajanikant Velip, Salvador Fernandes, Kalidas Velip, Arjun Velip, Kalidas Desai, Puso Gaonkar, Franky Antao, and Arjun L. Velip. Date of offence is 8/10/2007. Nature of offence: Formed unlawful assembly, blocked road, stopped the staff of Hiralal Khodidas mine from entering mine premises. The complainant is again Atul Bokade, Mines Manager, Hiralal Khodidas Mines. Only this case has been closed after being discharged by the court.

All the above cited cases reflect increasing tension in the village created due to mining activities. People’s activities are disrupted due to mining-police nexus. This nexus becomes evident when one examines the record the police in pursuing the cases filed by mining companies’ vis-à-vis cases filed by people against mining companies. Police has 100% follow up to charge-sheet level when it is mining companies are complainants. Police has got 0% record of pursuing the case file by people of Colomba against mining company. People of Colamba has filed number of cases and police are yet to file a single charge-sheet. The villagers complaints can be listed below as follows:

1. On 19/11/2007 villagers of Colomba, Kevona filed a complaint before Quepem police station against Rajesh Zambaulekar and Rupesh Zambaulekar – the mining agents of Timblos and Fomento mine. The nature of offence: Egypt D’Souza was obstructed, pelted stones on his vehicle, threatened and physical manhandling while proceeding from Tilamol to Colomba. Police did not take any cognizance.

2. On 13/6/2008 Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar Federation (GAKUVED) filed complaint against manger of Hiralal Khodidas mines for releasing water in Paddy fields. Police took no action.

3. On 19/11/2008 Farmers of Colomba filed complaint against Romaldo Rebello, Bostiao Simoes, Mahadev Devidas, Dinu Devidas, Anton, Arun Naik, Ramnath Velip, Kushali Velip, Dyaneshwar Naik, Suryakant Naik, and Dilip Devidas. Nature of complaint: Manhandling and beating. Complainant is Rama Velip. Police took no action.

4. On 10/11/2008 Rama Velip filed complaint against Hiralal Khodidas Mine at Quepem Police station for destroying Paddy field coconut garden, water bodies, releasing muddy water in Kushawati River. Police took no action.

5. On 26/11/2008 villagers of Colomba filed complaint at Quepem Police station complaining of transportations of iron ore through forest area in violation of High court order. Complaint was signed by Motesh Antao, Fr. Mathias D’Cunha and Rama Velip. Police too no action.

6. On 5/12/2008 United farmers of Colomba filed complaint at Quepem police station regarding illegal operation of mine by Hiralal Khodidas. Complaint signed by Motesh Antao. Police took no action.

7. On 14/1/2010 Dumena D’souza filed complain at Quepem Police station against mines managers of nine mines operating in Quepem and Sanguem talukas for overloading, endangering public health, polluting air, and causing danger to public life. The case was file under section 268, 269, 270, 278 of IPC, section 133 of Cr.PC, Section 40 of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) 1981 and under section 2(22) and 37 of Goa Public Health Act 1985. The nine mines which are mentioned in this complaint includes: V.S. Dempo T.C. no. 7/50 operation in Rivona, V.S. Dempo T.C. no. 3/51 operating in Curpem, Badruddin Mavany T.c. no. 14/52 operating in Colomba, Vangi Bindi Advona iron ore mine T.c. no. 10/51 operating in Sulcorna and owned by M/s Haidar Kasim Khan, Gogoro Ou Gulcon dongor Iron Ore mine T.c. no. 06/49 operating in Colomba and owned by Hiralal khodidas, Polo Dongor Iron Ore mIne T.C. no. 65/51 operating in curpem owned by G.F. Figueiredo, Gotifonda Tembo Colomab Iron ore mine T.C no. 75/52 owned by Vaicunt Cadnekar, Unonatlo dongor Iron ore mine T.C. no. 17/49 operating in Colomba and owned by Pai Palondikar, and Chunimol Dongor Iron ore mine T.C. no. 28/52 operating at Xivsorem, Rivona. Police took no action.

Police has been biased against people in processing of the cases. Goa government’s police policy towards mining in tribal areas is reflected from this fact. The bias of police in favor of mining industry and against people is clearly visible. The fall out of this situation is indeed very drastic loss of citizens’ confidence in the police force. However since local people are against mining industry for various reasons police force is used by mining industry to protect itself. It is best that in the public interest mining industry be closed down in Goa.

Agriculture suffers

Agriculture was practiced by everyone in the village of Colomba before mining began. Due to rampant mining activities paddy fields of Colomba has suffered drastic reduction of paddy yield. Dument D’Souza who owns a piece of agricultural land that her family cultivates used to harvest 2000 kg of rice before Fomentos started operation of Hiralal Khodidas mine. This has dropped to 900 kg of rice yield after mining company regularly releases mining silt into paddy fields. Coconut plantations too have suffered reduction in yield due to mining activities. The problem of mining to agriculture is also due to release of water from mining pit mixed with lime soda into paddy fields. Additionally the paddy fields nearby suffer due to sodium vapor light in the night focusing into paddy fields.

Response of the mining company managers with regard to discharge of mining silt into the paddy fields is to tell the villagers to remove and company will pay the cost. Villagers however refuse to accept money from mining company.

Agriculture is also threatened due to mining below ground water and drying up of water bodies in Colamba. This is particularly true in case of Badruddin Mavany mine operated by Radha Timblo. Large number of vegetables that used to be cultivated in the Muscavrem, Colomba has found sudden stop after the mining began. Land has been taken over for mining purpose, Kushavati river polluted, and village water bodies such as natural springs and wells dried up. This is fast becoming a reality in number of other areas of Colomba and surrounding villages with number of mining companies beginning their operations.

The situation can be reverted only with closing down mines and cancelling all the mining leases in this and surrounding villages.

Public Health Hazards due to mining

Number of public health hazards has come about due to beginning of mining activities in Colomba and neighboring villages. Dust pollution, noise pollution and heavy vehicular traffic have posed life threatening danger to the villagers. Besides, the entry of large number of migrant workers from various parts of India has caused socio-economic-medical phenomena of spread of HIV infection in mining belt. Alcoholism has increased with increase in mining activities.

Mining of Ferrous and Manganese in these localities has led to the release of impurities in air. The impurities includes silica, magnesium and many more. Inhaling of air polluted with these impurities causes numoconiosis that is also known as ‘dust-in-a-lung’ phenomena. In Colomba the movement of trucks is in the middle of the village. The road used by trucks is also used by school children, women to fetch water, to wash clothes etc. The road that can comfortable take around 50 truck trips per day is burdened with nearly 5000 truck trips filled with ore. Number of people in Colomba and neighboring villages has contacted lung diseases such as tuberculosis after mining activities began here nearly seven years ago. For children below 3 years respiratory problem is acute. 90 percent of people in mining belt suffer from one or other type of respiratory disease. Gattier, Rivona is one locality that has witnessed mass scale contraction of tuberculosis to its residents directly due to mine in the vicinity.

Asthma is another respiratory disease that is very common in mining belt. Besides mining dust lung diseases particularly to children are also caused by accasia trees planted by Forest department. The yellow pollen of these trees causes asthma and skin rash. These trees are danger to nature and must be down and new variety of fruit tree must be planted in their place.

Noise pollution due to movement of trucks leads to permanent disability including total deafness, increase in blood pressure, heart attacks etc.

Communicable diseases like Chicken Gunia, Malaria, Hepatitis and HIV infections have increased in Colomba after mining activities began. The cause can be linked to the increased influx of labour from various parts of India and even Nepal. HIV infection is spread with single men from various parts of India and Nepal taking employment in mines and developing unprotected sexual relationships with local girls.

Accidents due to mining transportation of ore are of three types. First one is caused by direct hitting of person by mining trucks. This happens as each truck is in competition with other to maximize its trips. Pedestrians and other vehicle owners are placed at lethal risk by the movement of trucks. Several accidents are caused this way and many people have died. Only few cases are recorded by police and large of cases are ended by the private force of mining companies by forced compromises or intimidation. A force parallel to police is developing in mining belt that handles besides accident cases, the intimidation of those opposing mining industry. Perhaps these are seeds of mafia in Goa’s mining belt sown by mining industry.

The second variety of mining transport accidents takes place when motorcyclists skid off the road due to spillage of ore on the road from the rooftops of overloaded trucks. In spite roads is filled with spilled ore from truck carrying ore from the mines.

The third variety of accidents takes place when ore from the speeding trucks flies out and hits pedestrians. This has caused injuries to people walking on the road, sometime even to motorcyclists trying to overtake speeding trucks. It is not uncommon to hear of instances when the ore flew out of the truck and hit someone’s head or someone’s eye.

Mining trucks has no controlling authority. Drivers are drunk and drive heavily overloaded trucks. No one checks the license of truck drivers. No one checks truck fitness. Goa Police is mauled by mining industry due to Coporate-Politician-Police nexus in place.

Mining also has drastic indirect effects of Public Health. Number of people taking to alcohol has increased. There is also the rise in liquor outlets in Rivona Panchayat jurisdiction. Few of these are licensed outlets. Large number of them operates without license. More importantly the liquor that is sold in these outlets is adulterated – very often mixed with urea and distilled.

Women in mining belt suffer from anxiety, sleeplessness, and stressful mind due to uncertain situation created by mining industry. Many families are headed by widowed women as their husbands have died due to their employment on mines. Employment on mines gave excess money which they invested in alcohol. This led to the degeneration of their health and ultimately their death. In Curpem and Vichundrem villages large number of men worked on mines and died within few years of their employment. Workers on mines develop renal problem due to exposure to extreme heat and dust. Workers on mines do not get proper water, proper health education, proper masks for nose, proper ear masks. These are given only during mines safely day for one day and then taken back. Doctors with companies are insensitive towards workers. Drivers in mines have no control over themselves when they drive after consuming alcohol. No one checks their physical fitness when they drive in intoxicated state. This behavior of drivers in mining is not an exception but a rule.

Direct effects of mining on water

Silt from mines is released directly into paddy fields of the people. This creates chocking of its traditional water ways and created frequent flooding in monsoon. This is observable in case of Hiralal Khodidas mine in Colomba.

Washing of trucks in fresh water bodies releases silt and other pollutants into water. The water used for irrigation purposes then pollutes land where this water is used. Kushawati river is a very good example as to how mining has created water crisis. Mining in its catchment areas led to drying of kushawati river few years ago. State government instead of shutting down mines constructed check dams at number of places on the river. Check dams created stagnation of water and put pressure of the edges of the river. The big trees on both sides of the river bank died as their roots got affected with blocking of river flow in artificial manner. Besides Kushawati river water is polluted by mining silt. The fish that used to be available for the villagers prior to damming of this river has dramatically reduced and some varieties disappeared all together. The Kushawati river bed has silted and turned shallow.

In Corla village natural springs has gone dry after as the mining led to alteration in the course of ground water. Over 100 tribal people live in this village on hill top.

Blasting in mines

Till few years ago blasting was regular practice in mines in spite of it being legally banned. In Colamb blasting at Hirala khodidas mine by Fomentos has caused cracks to the house of Devki Katu Velip. Workers who indulge in drilling for blasting suffer from blasting renauts phenomena that results in hand gangrene.

Renal Stone for workers working in mining belt is common phenomena. Dust particles accumulated inside the ear consolidate and transform itself into a stone of a respective mineral.

Conclusion

Mining has created all round degeneration of nature and quality of life of tribal people. Even employment on mines has led to number of people in mining belt. Mining is dangerous and its danger will not reduce with 26% of share of income from mines to tribal people as envisaged by government of India. This is only move to distract attention from the gross violation of rights and insult to the dignity of tribal people that cannot be purchased with money. The private ownership of mines gave full scale scope for the usury of the mineral wealth by few individual corporate entities. Mining industry in Goa has hijacked all round welfare and democracy in Goa. Damage to public health, degeneration of agriculture, depletion of ground water, use of police, abuse of judiciary to intimidate village people protesting mining industry are only manifestations of this phenomena. It is hoped that Western Ghats authority will take cognizance of this situation and recommend to the government of India to stop mining in Goa and cancel all the mining leases in the Tribal areas that find common ground in defense of Western Ghats.

Tourism leave our coasts alone!

2010-09-24T23:02:00.000+05:30

A call to protect India’s coastal ecology from irresponsible and unregulated tourism

EQUATIONS statement on World Tourism Day

27 September 2010

Speaking on the theme of World Tourism Day 2010 “Tourism and Biodiversity” UNWTO (World Tourism Organisation) Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, claims, “Tourism and biodiversity are mutually dependent. UNWTO wishes to raise awareness and calls upon the tourism stakeholders and travellers themselves to contribute their part of the global responsibility to safeguard the intricate web of unique species and ecosystems that make up our planet”. The High Level Dialogue on Tourism, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, the host of the WTD celebrations, will reportedly debate issues ranging from the economic value of biodiversity for tourism, to how to integrate biodiversity protection into planning for sustainable tourism. We wonder, if apart from the UNWTO itself, anyone else actually believes its propaganda!

Cashing in on Biodiversity

That tourism and biodiversity are mutually dependent is a myth increasingly being propagated. The UN International Year of Ecotourism in 2002 was an earlier global attempt to do this. The purpose these myths serve is to open the doors to the global tourism industry in ecologically fragile areas, and establish tourism as the new patron of conservation, dislodging the role and rights of indigenous people and nature dependent communities. Concepts such as the economic value of biodiversity promote the idea of nature as a tradable commodity, which suits very well a consumptive industry such as tourism.

Tourism is the only industry that sells a product it does not own! The coasts, the rivers, the mountains, the forests and the deserts – are all sold as tourism products – without acknowledging that these exist only because they have been revered as sacred, and protected in sustainable ways, by indigenous and nature dependent communities through their cultural, social and economic practices and their choices of lifestyle and livelihood.

A sorry tale

When one considers the coastal ecosystem holistically, both sea and landward, it is a miracle of rich biodiversity with varied degree of life forms - the sand dunes, beaches, wetlands, mangroves, estuaries, backwater lagoons and coral reefs.

Mangrove theme park at Pappinissery Panchayat, Kannur, Kerala

Constructed on tidal flats, mangroves and abandoned filtration ponds of thick mangrove vegetation, the site falls within a coastal zone, which is ecologically fragile. The plan involves construction of health clubs, watchtower, food court, recreation centre, conference hall, biotech toilets all proposed to be constructed within the mangrove and inter tidal area.

Velaghar-Shiroda, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra

Earmarked for tourism development by the government, the local fisher folk are presently contesting land acquisition and eviction notices served by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) on behalf of a prominent Indian hotel group, which plans to build a five-star hotel and beach resort with aqua-sports.

Andaman Islands

Most tourism development here particularly in the popular Havelock and Neil Islands is in contravention of the CRZ Notification, 1991. A private resort in Corbyn's Cove Port Blair is located so close to the beach, that sea sand accumulates on the road and in the premises of the resort, which needs to be cleared periodically.

Seaside resorts at Mandarmani , Purbo Medinipur district, West Bengal

According to the local District Magistrate, construction and running of these hotels has resulted in an ecological disaster. Sandbanks were flattened and the natural vegetation, screw pines, were cut down for construction. Since roads cannot access most of the hotels, cars ply on the beach for tourists to enter or leave the resorts. Red crabs that abound on the beach, as well as other fauna, are crushed under the unregulated vehicular traffic. A rise in pollution has also affected the coastal marine life and dwindling of catch of the local fishing community. Despite the Calcutta High Court issuing a directive that no future construction would be permitted at any place in Mandarmani that fell within the CRZ, construction continues in violation of the court’s order.

Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Rampant tourism development has left no space along the beach and the immediate stretches of land adjoining the sea towards the southern side are completely occupied by the hotel industry. Amusement parks and water theme parks are the recent additions to attract domestic tourists. A theme park, which has planned its operation to cover 4000 visitors a day, has levelled the sand dunes to have an elevated structure for a clear view of sunrise and sunset.

This sorry tale continues along the coast– in Goa, in Andhra Pradesh, in Orissa, in Pondicherry and in Gujarat. Violations involve not just construction in no-construction zones, but flattening sand dunes; rapid coastal erosion; privatising beaches pushing out fisher folk and traditional occupations; letting untreated sewage into the sea, estuaries and backwaters; dismal solid waste management; use of unsuitable building materials and unsustainable energy practices; overburdening fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs and backwaters by increased tourist visitation; and pushing in consumptive models that leave heavy ecological footprints on fragile ecosystems.

Travelling the length of India’s 7500 km coastline is testimony to how tourism development in the pursuit of profits has failed to demonstrate stewardship towards either coastal ecology or the rights of coastal communities.

Coastal Regulation- a battle of two decades to protect the coast

The only notification for the protection of the Indian coast is the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 1991. No sooner was CRZ notified, than the attempts to dilute it began!

The first amendment to the CRZ Notification was because of pressure from the tourism lobby. The tourism industry argued that the prescribed 200 meters of “No Development Zone” restricted them from competing with beach hotels of countries where no such restrictions existed. They claimed the tourism industry would require only 25 to 30 kms of India’s 7500 km coastline, and hence relaxing the NDZ from 200m to 50m in CRZ Notification would not harm India’s coastal ecosystem! Under pressure, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) amended the CRZ Notification in 1994 reducing the NDZ area all along tidal water bodies. On being challenged, the Supreme Court quashed the amendment terming the step taken by MoEF as ultra vires, and restored the NDZ. This was a short-lived victory as the CRZ has been amended 21 times between 1994 and 2005, each dilution weakening the regulatory regime, many of these at the behest of the tourism industry.

In the last, few years there has been an attempt to replace the CRZ Notification with a management oriented Coastal Management Zone Notification (CMZ), a move that drew wide protests from coastal movements and civil society organisations, whose key concerns have not been taken into account in recent versions of the notification.

The recent move to exclude the ecologically fragile Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands from the ambit of CRZ Notification 1991 and to bring them under a separate Island Protection Zone Notification is another retrograde step, as it contains no specific regulatory provisions for tourism at all. Up to the year 2003, the construction of tourism establishments within 200m from the High Tide Line in the Islands was prohibited. Under pressure from the tourism lobby, this was reduced to 50m. Even with the diluted provisions, the violations by the tourism industry in the Islands are rife. We wonder what the case will be when tourism does not come stringently under the scanner for violations, past and future.

Sadly, there is little evidence along the Indian coast of tourism industry’s intent to be law abiding, let alone its claim of being a steward of biodiversity.

On World Tourism Day our call is “Tourism – leave our Coasts alone!”

To endorse this statement, contact us at campaigns@equitabletourism.org

EQUATIONS, # 415, 2C-Cross, 4th Main, OMBR Layout, Banaswadi, Bengaluru 560043, India

www.equitabletourism.org

Forests' cry

2010-09-24T16:25:00.000+05:30

Yesterday evening and today morning I witnessed forest in Khotigao, Canacona being imprisoned in barbed wires of Forest department. Forest voiced its cry for freedom and liberation.

Sebastian Rodrigues

Live me in the open sky

2010-09-21T22:53:00.004+05:30

Report by Sayantoni Datta of a seminar “Regional Plan 2021, Imagining Goa’s Future’ at India International Centre(IIC), New Delhi on 18^th September 2010, and organized by Goenkarancho Ekvot.

‘Live me in the open sky’ written by Late Dr. Manohar Rai Sardesai captures the essence of what the people of Goa have tried to articulate in their participatory planning process for the Regional Plan 2021. Yet again Goan people have lived up to the reputation of being one of the forerunners informing ecological and environment discourses in the country. But while the Draft Regiosnal Plan 2021 does incorporate within it, flavours of the voices of people in Goa, the question is whether this process will continue in full authenticity, its implementation; and whether the plan will be adopted without changes by the Government of Goa.

Inspired by the Kerala model of development planning initiated by KSSP in Kerala, the Draft Regional Plan 2021 claims to be the outcome of a bottom up process of town planning whereby every single village and ward was engaged in a spatial planning exercise, which was in keeping with the principles of the 73^rd and 74^th Amendments in the Constitution. The planning exercise facilitated by a special Taskforce which include the Chief Minister of Goa, Former Chief Town Planner, Edgar Ribeiro, Architect Dean D’ Cruz, Dr. Oscar Rebello, Shri Blaise Costa Bir among others, has made an interesting departure from most planning exercises in the rest of the country. This is probably the first time the country has seen a state level village wise mapping and planning exercise of such detail; where urban and rural planning have incorporated within its logic and exercise securing of its fragile eco systems of ‘forests, mangroves, paddy fields and beaches which make Goa what it is’; where new ideas and economic models have been offered to investors in a state where land is a scarce resource.

Democratising Planning

The process adopted by the RGP 2021 in Goa has stemmed out of a large number of protests by the Goan people, at the forefront of which has been the Goa Bachao Abhiyan, who have insisted that the previous plan of Goa, RGP-2001, developed in consensus with only a handful of land sharks and the state, must be rejected and reformulated with every Goan citizen’s voice and stake included in it. The RGP-2021 is a fall out of these protests to democratize development planning in the State.

Given the larger issues of land grab, granting land for SEZs and development projects in India today, planning with people, and making these plans available to people, safeguards from the otherwise opaque processes that states have adopted with regard to planning in the rest of the country. Anyone who has attempted to understand how ‘development projects’ unfold in the state would have in their bag, a number of tales and horror stories of how difficult it is to access plan documents and files from the town planning authorities. The preparation of these ‘secret documents’ have invariably been outsourced to private consultant architect companies who draw up plans for the State, probably including several villages into blotches of suggested hubs, riverfronts, parks and industrial estates, without any discussions of its repercussions with local people living there and what it is that they want in terms of their stakes in the development process. Interestingly the RGP 2021 seems to have followed several detailed processes of correcting these blotches in the previous plan, such as redrawing the boundaries of settlements, locating all water bodies and even bird nesting sites and nature trails, which help animals to cross from one forest to another in village maps. Multiple sources such as topographical sheets, google maps, and the previous 2001 plan have been used in this exercise. As pointed out by Madhav Gadgil in a seminar on the presentation of the plan by some members of the Taskforce in New Delhi, ‘it would be useful to make all the village, district and regional maps available on free open source technology which can be made accessible to all people of Goa at a minimum expense’; this would also to retain transparency.

What is left for investors?

At the seminar “Regional Plan 2021, Imagining Goa’s Future’ at India International Centre(IIC) on 18^th September 2010, and organized by Goenkarancho Ekvot, the hall was packed by citizen’s groups belonging to Goa Diaspora, environmental activists, and a large number of planners, and students from the School of Planning and Architecture. In admission one of the senior planning officials stated that probably the biggest conflict in planning today is making a shift from market based planning to plan by the people. Spatial planning must become an exercise which thus shifts merely from the various strategies of using and expropriating land for large development projects to also bring in its purview ecological and environmental issues.

The outcome of the research done for the Plan has clearly showed that land is a scarce resource, and with the current booming population in Goa, the per capita availability of land has only shrunk. There is also a harsh reality that land acquired by corporations has been left vacant or not used. Being a ‘leisure capital’ there are no dearth of individuals who have invested resorts, farmhouses and villas in Goa and Goa has also been witness to ‘speculative housing’ which is criminal, given the housing crunch for migrants and poor. Given the fact that almost 54 percent of land in Goa is of the eco sensitive type, probably a huge challenge for the Task Force has been to offer viable investment opportunities, in the midst of serious issues and impacts on the people of Goa of mining, real estate economy and tourism, all of which have played ruthless extractive roles.

To counter the antithesis of the plan, namely mining, real estate development and commercial tourism by five star hotels and resorts, an urgent request by the Taskforce to investors investing in Goa have been to think outside the paradigms. Can Goa be treated as a model of a sustainable society? Some of these models could mean adopting the concept of ‘slow cities’ for a city like Panjim, replicating projects such as ‘The Eden Project’ for mining wastelands, and adopting ‘village tourism models’ as in Hadi village, South Maharashtra which have helped the local people in benefiting from the tourism industry and also retained the original landscapes and bring a balance in the ‘green’ and ‘grey’ infrastructure. Along with this are some important NO’s which include no construction activity along hill slopes which should be declared as no development zones, no new mines should be leased in forest areas, no coal based transportation for power, usage of raw water by industries instead of treated water, and protection of sand dunes.

Translating the rhetoric to reality

Oscar Rebello, from the taskforce states that three kinds of forces have their interests interlocked in Goa’s plan, the ‘extreme environmentalists’ who don’t want a single tree to be cut, ‘the cowboy capitalists’ the actual strangulating class which is dominating the discourse in Goa, wanting to cut every tree or hill in sight and ‘the reasonable realists’ on whose shoulders rests the concern for the environment with practical concerns on livelihoods of lower and upper middle class and interests of the poor.

Matanhy Saldanha, Ex Member of the Goa Legislative Assembly talking about Goa’s survival interests states that the stability of any society depends upon its land. If land is gone everything is gone and development must be eco friendly, people oriented and sustainable for all improving the quality of life. Goan people, are not being able to afford a patch of land or house for themselves given the escalation of land markets. In the current situation land is being transacted among big hotel chains, those who invest from outside the state, those who are buying holiday homes and villas in the leisure capital, and NRIs with more foreign exchange.

It would be interesting to see how dynamic processes including people’s lives and choices, of the market and governance unfold against the static maps created for the plan and whether the democratic processes will continue and how attempts at subversion will be safeguarded against. Furthermore in the maze of the mapping exercise, a point to watch is how far local village interests are collated into regional maps and what kind of development decisions are made on regional maps. Already some development plans have been inserted such as airports, a sea link, a second Konkan railway line and industrial hubs to contain industrial sprawl in nodes, though these are being refuted by concerned villages.

Furthermore the Plan is also interlocked between governance interests. Will this Draft Regional Plan 2021 be passed by the Government of Goa? How far will the State be able to negotiate its interests with the Centre? Rebello from the Taskforce pushing urgently for the plan to be passed states that it is crucial to restrict the indiscriminate construction and mining activity and escalating land markets in Goa, that the plan be adopted soon. ‘Rahul Gandhi must view Goa as urgently as Niyamgiri, and the Goans with as much endearment as the Dongria Kondhs.’, he added.

Confessions of a recovering environmentalist

2010-09-21T13:48:00.002+05:30

Click here to read this interesting essay by Paul Kingsnorth.

Angonn 1 – First All Goa Meet of concerned villagers

2010-09-19T22:02:00.001+05:30

Angonn 1, the first All Goa Meet of village groups organized by Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott (GXE), was a roaring success, with more than 130 dedicated grass-root activists participating in the day long deliberations at Margao today.

The participants, who shared their experiences, ideas, perspectives and dreams, included representatives from 58 villages, covering all the 11 talukas of the State. Various important issues related to the well-being and development of the State and its inhabitants, including water and food security, the plight of farmers, tribals and other residents, and other socio-economic and environmental issues were examined in detail by the participants in their presentations. The impact of the present policies being forced by the State on the present and future generations were also critically reviewed by the remarkable gathering of fearless and motivated social activists. The State policies with regards to mining, real estate speculation, land acquisition, tourism and industries were unanimously rejected by the participants, who also laid bare various evidences of the unholy nexus between greedy accumulators of wealth, corrupt bureaucrats and those voted by the people to 'save Goa', who are rapidly destroying Goa forever.

GXE again demands that the State and Union government immediately scrap all the anti-people policies with regard to mining, real estate, tourism and industries, which have been causing immense irreversible destruction within the tiny State. The legislators, executive and judiciary are hereby warned that unless they open their eyes, which seem to be blinded presently by greed, fear or otherwise, and act to stem the rapid destruction of the water, land and environment of the State, they shall be held responsible for the resultant sufferings of our children.