-- Samir Umarye BICHOLIM: The Bicholim mamletdar, Pravinjay Pandit today inspected the houses and the mining pits at Maulingtad Sanquelim and directed the mining company to take necessary measures to avoid any major tragedy.
It may be recalled that Herald had exclusively carried a report on the danger that the houses from Maulingtad are facing due to mining in the area. In its report it was also mentioned how water from the mining pits is seeping into their houses during heavy rainfall and that they fear breaching of the mining pits. Based on the news the Bicholim mamletdar today carried out inspection of the area and took stock of the situation. Speaking to media Bicholim Mamletdar, Pandit told that there is eminent danger to the residents of Maulingtad. “There is danger to the houses in Maulingtad and also there are also chances of silt flowing into agricultural fields and residents are seeking compensation for the same.” Pandit told adding “right now I have directed the mines manager to take precautionary measures in order to prevent the silt from flowing into agricultural fields.” “I will also give directions to the PWD buildings and zonal agricultural officer to submit the technical report. Later I will issue summons to both the parties and hearing would be conducted in the matter within 15 days” Pandit told. “Since last five years we are giving letters to the authorities but nothing had happened but this time inspection was conducted by the mamletdar. If nothing is done to curb this menace we would take future course of action” councilor of Sanquelim Municipality council, Dayanand Boryekar told. As per the locals sometimes the flow of water is so much that it becomes even difficult to sit on the floor in the house. The pits have gone very deep that the residents are just waiting for a tragedy to happen.