District Level Consultation – Panjim, Goa

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.