John Fernandes Quepem
The villagers of Colomba on Friday (28/3/08) submitted a memorandum to the
Collector of South Goa shri G.P. Naik demanding immediate stopping of the
harassment caused to the villagers of Colomba at the haste of the Mining
Company by the Quepem police.
The villagers were accompanied by Goa Foundation Representative Dr. Claud
Alvares, GAKUVD president Durgadas Gaonkar , Goa Bachao Abiyan representative
Praveen Sabnis, Dr. Jerson Fernandes, Dr. Audoot Prabhu Dessai , Fr. Mathew and
other.
GAKUVD President Durgadas Gaonkar brought to the notice of the Collector how
the Quepem police harassing the poor villagers when they are fighting for their
right in a democratic manner. He also brought to the notice of the Collector
the representation made by GAKUVD on behalf of the villagers and regretted
that no action has been taken against their representation.
While Dr. Cloud Alvares of Goa Foundation brought to the notice of the
Collector how the forest department is illegally allowing the mining company to
transport through reserve forest, inspite of there being clear order from high
court prohibiting any such activity through forest. He further brought to the
notice of the collector that permission has been given by the forest
department for the mining company to transport through survey No.72 of Colomba
village and sy.No.2 of Kurpem village. When the villagers objected and
protested for transportation through survey No.57of Colomba village they are
being arrested by the Quepem police at the instruction of Dy.Collector of
Quepem. He warned the collector of filling contempt application against the
Forest officials and the Dy-Collector.
The villagers then submitted a memorandum to the collector which demands that
all illegal mines should be stopped and the mine owner and the contractor be
arrested. To call meeting of officials of different department along with their
representatives before 5th April to check on all the fallacies and to take
necessary action against illegalities. That mining truck should have a shutter
on the top and should not be allowed to ply before 9.00am and after 4.00pm. No
more mining leases or renewals to be allotted to any mine in south Goa. Mining
dump should be identified and should be nature reconstruction and
rehabilitations programme plan. Unsafe mine should be shut down immediately.
Further they warned that if their demands are not met within the deadline and
if no action they shall be constrained act and the officials will be held
responsible for the same.
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