Category: District Level Consultation

In the District Level Consultation held at Churulia, West Bengal there were discussions on Rampal Thermal Power Plant, Illegal Coal Mining in Asansol, PESA, Samata Judgement, Cooperative Mining, Implementation and importance of District Mineral Foundation, Status of Tribals, Future Generation Fund, Situation of children in the mining areas and consequences on their education, health due to air and water pollution, malnutrition issues, Women and Mining. It was also said that the mining leases to the companies should be given rationally following all the rules and regulations. There were also discussions on how to address the violation of child rights, migration and trafficking issues among children.

A short documentary film “Falling through the cracks – Children and Mining” was screened and followed by a detailed session on the plight of children in mining areas. A Participatory approach was followed in sensitizing the people on the violation of child rights in the context of Children in mining areas.

District Level Consultation on Children in Mining Area, Illegal Mining, DMF was held at Paderu, Visakhapatnam on 26th September 2017. 75 participants attended the program across the state.

mm&P Chairperson Mr. Ravi spoke about the recent judgement of National Green Tribunal (NGT) about the cancellation of bauxite mining lease that was accorded by APMDC to ANRAK Aluminium Limited and Jindal South West for supply of bauxite ore from the Jerrela block near Chintapalle in Viakhapatnam about 10 years ago in 2007.

There were elaborative discussions on Child Rights and Child protection. There were also interactions on Samata Judgement, Cooperative mining, situation of children in the mining areas and the consequences on their education, health due to air and water pollution & malnutrition issues.

District Level Consultation on Children in Mining Area, Illegal Mining and DMF was held at Panjim, Goa on 21st July’ 2017. 35 participants from across Goa attended the programme.

There were discussions on Illegal mining being carried out in the State of Goa violating all the pollution control norms and The Goa (Prevention of Illegal mining, storage and transportation) Rules, 2013. These rules are on the record of Hon’ble SC wherein the Goa Govt had assured the court that there will not be illegal mining carried out in future. But illegal mining still continues unabated.

Soshi Isuue: When a local community like Sonshi village protest for their basic human rights, the poor tribal’s are put in the judicial custody for almost 9 days which is condemnable.

Discussions on the basic fundamental rights of Children living in a mining area being violated by the mining companies and the Government were also held.

Cooperative Society: The first Co-operative society ‘The Sadhana Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd’ have been formed by the mining-affected villagers of Caurem with a vision to carry out sustainable mining, but sadly the society is facing repression from the State Government to consider their demand. This shows that this government is being run by the mining agents and the Directorate of Mines & Geology is soft towards the mining companies.

It’s been more than 2 years since the central government through amendment of MMDR Act directed the state governments to form District Mineral Fund (DMF) for each district in which mining is being done. Unfortunately, DMF rules have not yet been framed for the state of Goa. The funds are getting accumulated which is not being put to proper use.

District level workshop on Children and Mining, Illegal Mining, DMF and PESA was conducted at Makarana, Rajasthan. The meeting was presided over by the Secretary General of mm&P. The Secretary General introduced the theme of the workshop and why children’s rights should not be neglected especially in the mining areas.

A short documentary film “Falling through the cracks – Children and Mining” was screened and followed by a detailed session on the plight of children in mining areas by the Secretary-General of mm&P. Participatory approach was followed in sensitizing the people on violation of child rights in the context of Children in mining areas.

One issue that was prominently discussed was the plight of migrant laborers especially women and children. Most of the CSR or development activities by the mining company or the administration do not take into account the migrant population. These are the most marginalized groups who find it hard to understand the reasons for discrimination at all levels of our society. Some raised concern about scattered movements across the state which could be one of the reasons for lack of interest on the part of the mine owners and the administration. A collective and coordinated discussion might improve the situation.

In the consultation at Makarana, a very important point was raised about collectively having a dialogue with the mine owners for a more democratic way forward.