Respected Madam and Sir,
Goa is rich in mineral such as iron Ore manganese and bauxite and mining
is important source for our economy. It is recognised that minerals and
metals are the mainstay of the economic development and welfare of the
society. However, their exploration, excavation and mineral processing
directly affect the other natural resources like land, water, air, flora
and fauna, which must be conserved and optimally utilized in a
sustainable manner. Hence systematic and scientific exploitation of
minerals, compatible with environment is essential for survival of our
future generation.
As per Goa Forest Dept, Goa has about 1424 Sq Km of forest area out of
which 1095 Sq Km is suppose to be Reserve forest. That leaves 329 Sq Km
as unreserved forest area. Unconfirmed source says (but satellite data
confirms) that mining is carried at more than 150 mines (legal and
illegal) on 785 Sq Km of area as against 329 Sq Km. 36% percent of
forest cover is vanished due to unplanned mining activities. Besides, an
average about 2.5 to 3 tones of mining waste has to be excavated so as
to produce a tone of iron ore in the process annually 40 to 50 million
of mining waste is generated. Goa has the highest mining density in the
world (about 17% of Geographical area is under mining).
The environmental problems associated with the iron ore mining are
diverse. The removal of vegetation, top soil, waste and ore, brings
about the inevitable natural consequences, which manifest in many ways,
deforestation, climatic change, erosion, air and water pollution and
health hazards. The most noticeably caused substantial impact on the
ecosystem like degradation of land, deforestation, displacement of
wildlife, effect on aquatic eco-system, loss of habitat, biodiversity,
rare flora & fauna, other aquatic life, migration of wildlife and
overall disruption of the ecology of the area. Mining activities changes
in ground water flow patterns, lowering of water table, changes in
hydrodynamic conditions of rivers and underground recharge basins,
reduction in volumes of subsurface discharge to water bodies and rivers,
disruption and diversion of water drainage pattern, contamination of
water bodies, affecting over and under ground water bodies.
Respiratory infections due to an excess of dust were identified by the
Fernandes Committee in its report to Government of Goa as early as 1994
but the recommendation are not implemented. Accidental spillages of oil
by the barges during ore transportation are another source for water
pollution is seldom reported in Goa. In addition to the problem of
siltation, there is another more real fear that of mine related
accidents. Some years ago collapse of the mine benches had led to a
flood of water which caused the death of 5 persons. Detailed studies of
the impact of mining on the river or marine ecology have not been
carried out in Goa to date and in the absence of proper data extent of
the damage caused will never come to light. A study conducted by TERI
reported that the most affected rivers in the region are near Bicholim,
Curchorem, and Khanderpar. The prominent nullahs affected are Cudnem,
Sonshi and Advoi in North Goa. The houses surrounded by mine dumps, most
agricultural fields and cashew plantations are destroyed and dust
pollution caused by the continuous movement of trucks and the proximity
of dumps has made the lives in some villages an ordeal.
The concern for environmental issues is well reflected in the National
Mineral Policy 1993 as reproduced below:
“The New National Mineral Policy 1993 prohibits mining operations in
identified ecologically rich areas and strip mining in forest areas
should as far as possible be avoided. The latter could be permitted only
when accompanied by a comprehensive time bound reclamation programme. It
states further that no mining lease would be granted to any party,
private or public, without a proper mining plan including the
environmental management plan approved and enforced by statutory
authorities. The environmental management plan should have adequate
measures for minimizing the environmental damage, restoration of mined
areas and for planning of trees in accordance with the prescribed norms.
As far as possible, reclamation and afforestation will proceed
concurrently with mineral extraction. Efforts should also be made to
convert old mining sites into forests and other forms of land use.”
By proper reclamation of mined out areas and rehabilitation of waste
dumps through massive afforestation with local saplings, the ecological
impacts can be minimised. Sadly, Goa neither has effective planning nor
monitoring mechanism. Goa Government is too busy to find time for any of
these issues but save the THRONE.
Save Goa today for tomorrow!
Agnelo Pinheiro
Raia/Dubai
