GO A : S w e e t L a n d o f M i n e G O A : S w e e t L a n d o f M i n e + The iron ore mines of Goa have been implicated in the destruction of irreplaceable forests, degradation of agricultural helds, pollution of water bodies and rivers and sedimentation of the Mandovi and Zuari estuarine ecosystems. Mining activities have been responsible for damage to the wildlife sanctuaries, emptying of watersheds, generation of dust and noise pollution, destruction of public roads, and tremendous increases in the number of recklessly driven, overloaded trucks on village roads, turning life for most people in mining villages into an endless nightmare. + The mining industry has always assumed the role of Goa's sacred cow: for four decades, it has fought the implementation of environment laws, avoided judicial scrutiny, and acted as a tyrant, abusive of those whom it has sought to evict from its leases. With the ruling political elite hrmly dependent on its purse strings, there has been no fear of enforcement authorities. + However, for the hrst time in 2004, the Supreme Court intervened and ordered all mines without environment clearances to close shop. It then ordered that its stay order would not operate if the mining agencies were able to get environment clearances. + As is to be expected, what could not be done in 40 years, was achieved in two. The Ministry of Environment and Forests {MoEF) turned the golden opportunity provided by the Court to effect strict implementation of the country's environment laws in Goa into a business opportunity for its bureaucrats and ministers. 'Experts' were recruited and committees set up to generate 'recommendations', which the MoEF promptly acted upon to grant environment clearances. Not a single mining project was rejected. On the contrary, mines with the worst environment records, those closest to wildlife sanctuaries, those with criminal records, soon procured environment clearances and temporary working permits. More than 70 environment clearances were issued en masse. The MoEF simply joined Goa's mining maha as its closest friend. + As a result of this unholy union, the worst environmental assault on the state of Goa's ecologically fragile areas was legitimised and regularised by the Ministry. Here is the story. See it with your own eyes and weep. Then see if you can do your bit to bring this Ministry to its senses before the fate of Goa {and its people) transcends all hope. T h e G o a F o u n d a t i o n Published by the Goa Foundation Contents 9 Part I: A thing of beauty — Goa’s natural heritage Goa’s biodiversity, its ecological endowments and to an equal extent, its sociable people, all are being severely assaulted by ecologically destructive mining. This section introduces the astonishing beauties of the region being mined. 25 Mining in Goa — An historical perspective 26 Part II: Mine, mine, mine — Goa’s new mantra of greed The mining industry has been considered Goa’s ‘sacred cow’: Others call it ‘the backbone’ of the Goan economy. The primitive nature of the mining operations will more easily break the ecological backbone of the State. This section looks closely at the principal actors on the mining front. 32 Part III: Wounds on the earth — the effects of mining The effects of the large-scale mining operations are ubiquitous and pervasive. This sections shows — in pictures — the true horrors of mining operations in Goa, their impacts on Goa’s ecosystems and people. 72 Part IV: The blame game — pinning the responsibility Who are the individuals and departments responsible for the state of affairs? Can you help make them listen? 92 Stand up and be counted Some guidance on a future course of action. Please try it for Goa’s sake. Karnataka Maharashtra Mhadei Bondla Bhagwan Mahaveer Netravali Cotigao GOA This map composites the Portuguese mining map with satellite images of Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries / national park, and graphic map data to depict the boundaries and corridors of the protected areas. The composite map shows the location of mines approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forests within 3 km and 1 km, respectively, of these sanctuaries. The MoEF has even cleared three mines which encroach inside one of the sanctuaries. Sanctuary boundary 1 km buffer 3 km buffer This old Portuguese mining map of Goa gives the location of more than 700 mining leases granted by the Portuguese Government. If all of them are to be entertained, nothing will be left of the State (and its charms). List of mining leases whose brutal management practices were legitimised by the Ministry of Environment and Forests when it casually issued more than 70 ‘environment clearances’ in two years without visits to sites. (The table lists villages in which the operating mines are located, dates of public hearings and environment clearances granted.) Name of mining lease T.C. No Name of operator Village and Taluka Survey number(s) Area (in hectares) Project cost (in Rupees) Date of public hearing Env. Cl. date Sancordem Malpona Mine 19/52, 44/56, 27/53, 39/56 M/s V.M. Salgaocar & Bros Ltd P.O. Box No. 14 Vasco da Gama, Goa Sancordem, Malpona Malpona Part of 5, 11, 12, 15 to 17, 19, 20 to 22, 24 & 25, Surla Part of 39, 40, 42 & 43 318.94 1179.89 lakh Jan 5, 2004 Nov 17, 2005 Copila Gaichem Paul mine of Sociedade Timblo Irmaos Ltd 88/52 Sociedade Fomento Inds P.O. Box No. 31, Villa Flores da Silva, EC street, Margao, Goa Sigao 30 to 34 94 500 lakh Jan 5, 2004 Sep 3, 2007 Santonachi Upri mine of Zarapkar & Parkar 34/55 M/s Salgaocar Mining Industries Salghaocar Chambers, Margao, Goa Dabal part of 3, 4, 17, 18, 19, 161, 258, 169 full 5 to 12, 17 98.3 300 lakh Jan 5, 2004 Oct 28, 2005 Kalay iron ore mine of N.S. Narvekar 12/52 Sociedade Fomento Inds (address as given earlier) Santona 7, 8, 12 to 16, 24, 25 176.76 4.1 crore Jan 8, 2004 May 14, 2007 Saniem iron ore mine of M.S.Talaulikar 2/51 Sociedade Fomento Inds (address as given earlier) Sancordem, Malpona 40, 50, 52-56, 59 50.3 3.5 lakh Jan 8, 2004 Nov 25, 2005 Tudou iron ore mine of Chowgule Co Pvt 40/57, 42/57 Chowgule Co Pvt Chowgule House, Mormugao Harbour, Mormugao, Goa Tudou 171.86 36 lakh Jan 8, 2004 Mar 22, 2006 Bimbol iron ore mine of Emco Goa 23/53, 7/41 Chowgule Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Sigao, Mollem Collem 46.106 47 lakh Jan 12, 2004 Feb 16, 2006 Monte Irangui iron ore mine of Roy Antao & Sane Antao 55/53 Chowgule Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Potrem 31.34 4.5 lakh Jan 12, 2004 Jan 12, 2006 Codli Group of mines 69/51, 70/52, 126/53 Sesa Goa Ltd Sesa Ghor, P.O. Box No. 125, EDC, Patto, Panaji, Goa Codli 298.58 75 crore Jan 12, 2004 Sep 6, 2005 Huldol Dongor (Bimbol mine) 8/41 G.N. Agrawal Station Road, P.O. Box No. 107, Margao, Goa Sigao 30, 31, 32, 62, 72 97.5 2.38 crore Mar 8, 2004 Oct 26, 2005 Kirlapale iron ore mine of Ahiliabai Sardesai 41/54 M/s V.S. Dempo & Co, Campal, Panaji, Goa Carmonem & Bandoli 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43 of Carmonem & 49 to 54 of Bandoli 85.5 2.86 crore Mar 3, 2004 Nov 17, 2005 Dudhal iron ore mine 7/50 M/s V.S. Dempo & Co (address as given earlier) Dudhal & Maulinguem 44, 48 to 51 of Dudhal & 7, 8, 9 of Maulinguem 32.72 72 lakh Mar 3, 2004 Nov 17, 2005 Colomba iron ore mine 35/52 M/s V.S. Dempo & Co (address as given earlier) Rivona 109, 115, 127, 128, 131, 132, 134 98.46 2.15 crore Mar 3, 2004 Nov 17, 2005 Curpem iron ore mine 3/51 M/s V.S. Dempo & Co (address as given earlier) Curpem & Sulcorna 2, 20, 52, 55, 56, 57 of Curpem & 11 of Sulcorna 82.5 80 lakh Mar 3, 2004 Nov 17, 2005 Vichundrem iron ore mine of Hira Bombo Gauns 38/52 M/s V.S. Dempo & Co (address as given earlier) Vichundrem 1, 12 to 16, 51, 52, 53 100 75 lakh Mar 3, 2004 Nov 17, 2005 Sem Denominacao Especial iron ore mine 5/53 Manuel Da Costa H. No. 1560, Curtorim, Goa Tudou, Patiem 1, 12 to 16, 51, 52, 53 parts 23, 24 of Tudou part of 1/1, 2/0, 5/1, 5/2, 5/3, 5/4, 6/0, 4/0, 8/0, 9/1, 10/0, 11/0, 22/0, 26/0, 27/0 95.09 20 lakh Mar 8, 2004 Sep 30, 2005 Nomoxitembo de Caurem mine of M/s Badruddin Mavani 14/52 M/s Sociedade Timblo Irmaos Limitada P.O. Box No. 34 , Kadar Manzil, Margao, Goa Colomba & Sulcorna Part of 82, 83, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 95, 96, 100, 103, 09, 10 71.41 6 crore Mar 8, 2004 Sep 30, 2005 Oikrio Dirodgal Curdi mine of Noor M.A. Karim 43/53 M/s Sociedade Timblo Irmaos Limitada (address as given earlier) Curdi 44, 48, Part of 43, 45, 46, 47, 52, 34.22 1 crore Mar 8, 2004 Sep 30, 2005 Godbaim ou Cuttiem mine of C.F. Naik 63/51 M/s Sociedade Timblo Irmaos Limitada (address as given earlier) Curpem, Sanguem Part of 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 1, 2 69.47 50 lakh Mar 8, 2004 Sep 30, 2005 Odamola iron ore mine of SOVA 45/54 M/s Salgaocar Mining Industries (address as given earlier) Sangod 7 (1, 2, 3), 9 (1, 2, 3) 85.72 5 crore Jan 5, 2004 Oct 28, 2005, granted perm EC on Oct 23, 2007 Tollem Group of Mines 19/54, 3/57, 33/57 Kunda R.S. Gharse Near Municipality P.O. No. 204, Margao, Goa Tudou, Patiem 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 19 1, 23, 25, 26 and Part of 2, 22, 20, 18, 20, 24 of Tudou and 3, 4, 49 and Part of 1, 8 of Patiem 261.792 20 crore Feb 2, 2005 Sep 30, 2005 Chiraband-e- vall mine of R.R. Painguinkar 8/50 M/s Sociedade Timblo Irmaos Limitada (address as given earlier) Patiem, Uguem Parts of 5/1, 7, 8, 11, 12/1, 12/2, 13/3, 1/1-6, 15/1, 18/1, 18/2, 19 of Patiem and parts of 48/1, 48/5, 49/2, 49/3, 52 of Uguem 81.9 1 crore Feb 2, 2005 Sep 30, 2005 Bondra Advona Curpem iron ore mine 61/53 Pandurang Timblo Subhash Timblo Bhavan, P.O. Box No. 242, Margao, Goa Codli, 1/1, 140, 148, 149, 24, 27, 28, 30, 31 96.28 1.01 crore Feb 2, 2005 Oct 20, 2005 Collem iron ore mine 30/50 Dr Prafulla R. Hede Dr Malbarai House, 2nd Floor, Rue Ismael Gracias, P.B. No. 181, Panaji, Goa Collem- Sanguem 36/1 and 37/1 82.52 23.77 lakh Feb 2, 2005 Oct 28, 2005 Carea Codilupri adam Tembo E Sauripar (Maulinguem) of R.T. Duelkar 20/51 Resource International Maulinguem Part of 1 to 5, 7, 8, 19, full 23, 27, 29, 30 87.21 Feb 2, 2005 Sep 17, 2007 Name of mining lease T.C. No Name of operator Village and Taluka Survey number(s) Area (in hectares) Project cost (in Rupees) Date of public hearing Env. Cl. date Mortegal Mordi mine of Vincente Fernandes 68/53 M/s Sociedade Timblo Irmaos Limitada (address as given earlier) Uguem Parts of 41, 42/1 to 42/8, 43, 44/1, to 44/11, 42/2 to 5, 46/0 70.46 16 lakh Feb 2, 2005 Dec 26, 2005 Sancordem iron ore mine 29/55 Atchut V.S. Velingkar Veling, Post Mardol, Goa Aglote, Sanguem Part of 13, 17, 18 47.72 75.89 lakh Feb 2, 2005 Dec 26, 2005 Shakti Bauxite mine 25/68 Pravin Kumar Gosalia Betul, Maqueri, Morplq, Velim, Fatorpa, Quepem 826.15 55.11 lakh Feb 2, 2005 June 15, 2006 Gotukwade-cho Temb iron ore mine 50/58 Smt Shakuntala Rege Collem Part of 27 to 29 33.25 24.4 lakh Feb 2, 2005 Aug 25, 2006 Surla –Sonshi iron ore mine 5/54, 20/54, 21/54 M/s V.S. Dempo & Co (address as given earlier) Surla sonshi, Vonvoilem 253.393 19.84 crore Dec 8, 2003 Nov 17, 2005 Bicholim iron ore mine 11/41, 12/41, 13/41, 14/41, 15/41 M/s V.S. Dempo & Co (address as given earlier) Lamgao, Mayem, Bordem, Mulgao and Sirigao 479 13.54 crore Dec 8, 2003 Nov 17, 2005 Band Don Col iron ore mine 2/ Fe/71 M/s Damodar Mangalji Damodar Niwas, M.G. Road, P.B. Box No. 32, Panaji, Goa Pissurlem, Sattari 11 to 13, 18, 9, 41 to 44 18.47 15 lakh Dec 8, 2003 Sep 30, 2005 Deulem Pissurlem iron ore mine 70/51 M/s R.S. Shetye Trionara Pissurlem, Sattari 39 to 43, 11, 18, 19 99.47 3.55 crore Dec 8, 2003 Sep 30, 2005 Sirigao iron ore mine 5/49, 13/49 Chowgule Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Sirigao, Mayem 75.25 1.15 crore Dec 8, 2003 Dec 27, 2005 Vaguriem iron ore mine 93/53 Chowgule Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Vaguriem 3, 12, 16 to 20, 26 to 30 62.26 45 lakh Dec 8, 2003 Jan 5, 2006 Dignem iron ore mine 92/52 M/s Sociedade Timblo Irmaos Limitada (address as given earlier) Cudnem, Bicholim Parts of 150 to 159 43.136 3 crore Dec 8, 2003 Sep 30, 2005 Cazreachem Culna Iron ore Mine (Cudnem) of Shri Raghuvir Sinai Gharse at Bicholim 51/52 M/s V.M. Salgaocar& Bros Ltd P. O. Box No.14 Vasco da Gama, Goa Cudnem 97, 98, 102, 106, 107 and 101, 108 79.53 73.96 lakh Apr 20, 2005 Mar 23, 2006 Guelliem-e- Gaval iron ore mine (Pissurlem) Sattari North 55/51 Sociedade Fomento Inds (address as given earlier) Pissurlem, Bicholim 32 to 36, 38, 41 87.55 4.0 crore Apr 20, 2005 Jan 17, 2007 Gaval Sonshi iron ore mine of M/s Cosme Costa & Sons (Pissurlem) Sattari North 110/53 Sesa Goa Ltd (address as given earlier) Pissurlem, Bicholim 41/1 62 12.5 crore Apr 25, 2005 Sep 4, 2006 Pale iron ore mine Mati (Cudnem) Mine Bicholim 31/53, 41/56 Chowgule Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Pale, Velguem and Poncem, Bicholim Pale 24, 27 to 31, Velguem 37 and 77 Poncem 7, 11, 12 & Parts of 4 to 6, 8, 10, 13, 14 152.63 61.94 lakh Apr 20, 2005 Nov 24, 2006 Velguem/Surla iron ore mine Mati (Cudnem) Mine Bicholim 83/52, 29/54, 19/58, M/s V. M. Salgaocar & Bros Ltd (address as given earlier) Velguem, Surla, Sonus, Vonvoilem Part 32 to 38 & 61 of Velguem, Part 160, 161, 162, 166, 167, 171, 174, 180, 181, 182, 199, 200, 201, 210, 213, 216, 217, 224, 228, 229, 232, 233 & full 163, 164, 165, 183 to 190 & 202 to 209, 211, 212, 218 to 223, 225 to 227, 428 of Surla Part 6, 10, 11, 13, 29, 31, 32, 35, 37 full 33, 34, 36 of Sanguem 286.693 204.48 lakh Apr 20, 2005 Mar 28, 2006 Gavanem iron ore mine (Xelpo Curado) Sattari North 26/57 Chowgule Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Xelpo, Curado 9, 12 to 25 100 34.44 lakh Apr 20, 2005 Aug 17, 2006 Onda iron ore mine 98/52 Chowgule Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Cudnem & Onda, Sattari 103 of Cudnem, 123-143 of Onda 74.61 1.06 lakh Apr 20, 2005 Aug 17, 2006 Purmar-e- Parvodet of Sallitho ores Pvt Ltd Mati (Cudnem) Mine Bicholim 86/53 M/s Salgaocar Mining Industries (address as given earlier) Pale 63, 64 94.6 5.28 crore Apr 25, 2005 May 10, 2007 Sonshi iron ore mine Sattari North 16/55 V.G. Quenin Sonus, Vonvoilem 56.79 1.15 crore Apr 20, 2005 May 18, 2006 Sanquelim Group of mines 9/49, 10/49, 3/54 Sesa Goa Ltd (address as given earlier) Maulinguem 17, 18, parts of 2, 4 to 13, 19, 20, 23 to 28 and 30 203.54 1.79 crore Apr 25, 2005 Jul 6, 2007 Sigao iron ore mine Sanguem, Goa 47/54, 50/53, 13/55, M/s V.M. Salgaocar & Bros Ltd (address as given earlier) Sigao 21, 23, 30, 31 and 34 full 24 to 29 174.41 77.49 lakh May 5, 2005 Mar 28, 2006 Vangi Bindi Advona (Fe/ Mn) iron ore mine at Sulcorna Sanguem, Goa 10/51 M/s Haidar Kasim Khan Govt Hospital Road Kakoda Curchorem, Goa Vichundrem Sulcorna 17, 51 of Vichundrem 16, 11 of Sulcorna 83.06 2.0 crore May 5, 2005 Feb 15, 2006 Costi iron ore mine Sanguem, Goa of Chowgule & Co Ltd 22/50, 38/51, 12/57 Chowgule Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Costi 2, 4, 8, 9, 11 to 14, 2, 4, 24, 49, 51, 1, 13, 14, 15 127.92 58.67 lakh Jun 15, 2005 Dec 1, 2006 Costi iron ore mine (Santona, Dudhal) Sanguem, Goa of V.D. Chowgule 40/50, 16/51 Chowgule House, Mormugao Harbour, Mormugao, Goa Santona/ Dudhal 39, 41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51 of Santona 54 to 63 of Dudhal 167.78 46.43 lakh Jun 15, 2005 Nov 27, 2006 Name of mining lease T.C. No Name of operator Village and Taluka Survey number(s) Area (in hectares) Project cost (in Rupees) Date of public hearing Env. Cl. date Suctolim Iron ore mine Sanguem, Goa 143/53 Pandurang Timblo (address as given earlier) Sangod 1/2, 2/1, 3/1, 3/2, 8/1, 8/2 Parts of 1/1, 3/1, 4/1, 4/2, 6/4, 7/1, 9/1, 92/1 99.6 55.12 lakh May 12, 2005 May 18, 2006 Shigao (Advona Toleamati E Galiguro) iron ore mine 87/53 Sanguem Goa 87/53 Pandurang Timblo (address as given earlier) Sigao Sanguem 31/1, 33/1, 33/2, 34/1, 35/1, 60/1, 60/2, 60/3, 61/1, 62/1, 63/1, 64/1, 65/1 50.4 63.5 lakh May 12, 2005 Jul 13, 2006 Corpedegal iron ore mine of R.V.S. Velingkar 24/57 R.V.S. Velingkar Veling, Ponda, Goa Sanguem Dharbandora, 137 to 140, Part of 131, 133 to 136, 141, 143, 146, 148 59.65 51.2 lakh May 12, 2005 Feb, 2007 Borchi Mordi iron ore mine of G.N. Agrawal 6/61 Sociedade Fomento Inds (address as given earlier) Maina, Quepem 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and Part of 1, 2, 5, 6 92.243 2.0 crore Aug 31, 2005 Dec 22, 2006 Gogoro Ou Gulcan Dongor mine of Hiralal Khodidas 6/49 Sociedade Fomento Inds (address as given earlier) Colomba, Sanguem Parts of 42 to 46, 54 to 59, 67 to 70 70.18 2.5 crore Aug 31, 2005 Mar 12, 2007 Navelem Dongor Manganese mine of Ashok P. Kuchadkar 53/52 Ashok P. Kudchadkar, Opp Railway Station, Curchorem, Goa Curpem, Colomba, Sulcorna in Sanguem 73 part (Colomba), 2 part (Curpem), 10 part and 11 part, Sulcorna 31.43 15 lakh Sep 14, 2005 Aug 17, 2006 Suktoli iron ore mine of Gasa Goa Ltd Chimatevalavorli 82/53 M/s Salgaocar Mining Industries (address as given earlier) Sangod 1, 38, 85, 86, 87, 88, 91 to 95 96.85 3.20 crore Sep 21, 2005 Jun 7, 2007 Madiencho Sodo iron ore mine of M/s Nalini V. Naik 31/56 M/s Salgaocar Mining Industries (address as given earlier) Sangod, Sanguem 30, 31, 32, 35 to 39, 87, 88 98.2 3.40 crore Sep 21, 2005 Jul 23, 2007 M/s Marzook and Cadar Pvt ltd at Dharbandora village in Sanguem Taluka 4/55 M/s Salgaocar Mining Industries (address as given earlier) Dharbandora 121 to 132, 135, 136 65.23 7.60 crore Jul 21, 2005 May 10, 2007 M/s Timblo Pvt. Ltd, Gaotone, Dusrifal, Codli 14/58 Sesa Goa Ltd (address as given earlier) Codli/ Sanguem 24, 29, 30, 35, 36, 30/30 40.76 8.75 crore May 12, 2005 Jul 5, 2007 M/s Ralph De Souza,Vagler, Shismamordi, Sangod, Village, Sanguem 7/58 M/s Salgaocar Mining Industries (address as given earlier) Sangod/ Sanguem part of 57 to 63 96.48 3.90 crore May 12, 2005 May 10, 2007 M/s Gajanan S Padiar Vagxe- po Molcornem Fe-Mn DandoAmabeya Temb 1/Fe. Mn/78 M/s Gajanan S Padiar House No. 121, Paroda, Goa Molcornem, Quepem 86 to 91, 104 to 111, 114, 117 65.24 May 5, 2005 Jun 27, 2007 Nirankal (EM GUDI MOLA) Iron ore Mine of Smt Sudha M. Goundalkar 95/53 M/s Velingkar Brothers IVlh ßoor, DaIaI Comml Complex, Near Hari Mandir, Margao, Goa Nirankal/ Ponda 114, 115, 151 to 156 and Part of 116, 147, 150, 157 and 158 85.55 35.82 lakh Jun 12, 2005 Jun 27, 2007 Marsodo Iron ore Mine of M/s Damodar Mangalji & Co Ltd 95/52 M/s Damodar Mangalji Damodar Niwas, M.G. Road, P.B. Box No. 32, Panaji, Goa Pissurlem/ Sattari 6 to 22 and 43 to 45 98.37 70 lakh Apr 9, 2007 Gavanem iron ore mine (Dhangar- wado Xelpencho Sodo) 31/55 M/s Chowgule & Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Xelpo Curado, Ambelim & Gavanem Villages in Sattari Taluka Part of 93, 96, 97, 98 of Netorlim and Part of 5, 35, 36 of Vichundrem 98 13.92 lakh Jun 12, 2005 May 17, 2007 Monte Udo iron & manganese ore mine of M/s Chowgule & Co Ltd 93/52 M/s Chowgule & Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Rivona/ Sanguem 88, 92, 95, 109 to 113 and 136 74.005 31.59 lakh Jul 5, 2006 Jun 7, 2007 Khuntie Moll iron and manganese ore mine 57/53 M/s Chowgule & Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Sulcorna/ Quepem and Curpem and Vichundrem in Sanguem 11, 14 to 17 of Sulcorna, 2 of Curpem and 51 of Vichundrem 99.33 43.46 lakh Jul 5, 2006 May 17, 2007 Cavrem iron and manganese ore mine 14/51 M/s Chowgule & Co Pvt (address as given earlier) Colomba/ Sanguem 72, 73, 77 to 89, 92 to 96, 101, 102 and 121 99.82 19.28 lakh Jul 5, 2006 Jul 27, 2007 Vansvola Tembo ou ximevoril dongor Vichundrem iron ore mine 67/52 Atchut V.S. Velingkar Veling, Post Mardol, Goa Netorlim/ Sanguem Part of 93, 96, 97, 98 of Netorlim and Part of 5, 35, 36 of Vichundrem 42.97 13.92 lakh Jul 5, 2006 Jun 27, 2007 Carpadegga (Codli) iron ore mine 25/56 Xec Mustafa Cadar Codli/ Sanguem 30 to 34 40.29 31 lakh Dec 12, 2006 Oct 24, 2007 Tembeachem Dongor iron ore mine 51/51 Jairam B. Neugui Maina, Canvorem, Rivona in Quepem and Sanguem 7, 66 and 77of Maina, 34, 35, 36 of Cavorem and 168/1 and 168/3 of Rivona 99.37 20 lakh Dec 12, 2006 Sep 18, 2007 Polo Dongor iron ore mine at Curpem Sanguem South Goa 65/51 Ms G.F. Figueiredo LH of Late Amalia R.G. Figueiredo, H. No. 2730, Murida, Fatorda, Margao, Goa Curpem/ Sanguem Part of 1, 2, 5 and 8 58.27 30 lakh Jan 31, 2007 Jul 18, 2007 Borga iron ore mine consisting of Borga Dongrachem Fall mine and Oiteiro Borga do Bairo Queri 29/52, 34/50 Pandurang Timblo Industries Rivona/ Sanguem 73, 74, 75, 150, 151, 152 and Part of 30, 31, 72, 76, 77, 149, 153, 154, 174, 189, 196 168.698 60 lakh Jan 31, 2007 Jul 26, 2007 Year of proposal Project details Received on Status 2007 Project No:J-11015/479/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Madachem Bat iron ore mine District:North Goa Village:Pale Bicholim Company:M/s Madachem Bat Pvt Limited Aug 30, 2007 Proposal is reconsidered in the meeting held on November 12-14, 2007 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/305/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Callanichomato de Oilomeoi Iron Ore Mining Project District:North Goa Village: Company:M/s Tithoferro Bicholim Bardez Oct 25, 2006 Additional information sought by the Ministry is awaited. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for December 14-15, 2006. The committees recommend the project. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/302/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Marsodo Iron Ore Mining Project District:North Goa Village: Company:M/s Damodar Mangalji and Co Oct 25, 2006 Proposal was considered in the meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) held on November 16-17, 2006. Information sought by the expert committee received on Jan 12, 2007. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/274/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Tolem de Quela Keli Iron Ore Mine District:North Goa Village:Thivim, Pirna Bardez Company:M/s Salgaocar Mining Industries Pvt. Ltd. Sep 18, 2006 Additional information sought by the Ministry is awaited. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for November 16-17, 2006. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/269/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Careacodil Upsi Alamturbo E Sauipas (Maulingaeu) Iron Ore Mining Project District: South Goa Village: Company: Sep 1, 2006 Additional information sought by the Ministry is awaited. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/228/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Cavrem Dongor Iron & Manganese Mine District:South Goa Village: Company:M/s V.D. Chowgule Aug 4, 2006 Additional information sought by the Ministry received on Aug 22, 2006. Proposal considered in the meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) held on December 14-15, 2006. The proposal was deferred for recommendation on submission of additional information. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/226/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Pola Dongor Manganese Mine District:South Goa Village: Company:M/s Shri Xec Abdul Gofur Aug 4, 2006 Additional information sought by the Ministry awaited. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/207/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Aili Vagruem Iron and Manganese Mine District:South Goa Village:Sacorda/ Sanguem Company:M/s Elray Minerals July 19, 2006 Additional information sought by the Ministry awaited. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/363/2005-IA.II(M) Project Name: Vagxep Anabeya Tempto Molcornem Iron and Manganese Ore Mining Project District:South Goa Village: Company:M/s Gajanana P. Adiar July 18, 2006 Project was received incomplete for want of approval letter of IBM. Additional information sought by the Ministry received on -----. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for November 16-17, 2006. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/71/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Coti Donger, Pirla Mine District:South Goa Village: Company:M/s Virginia Maria Simoes Apr 10, 2006 Additional information sought by Ministry awaited. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/70/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Orasso Dongur Iron Ore Mining Project District:North Goa Village:Advalpal/Moietem Company:M/s Sesa Goa Mar 31, 2006 Additional information sought by Ministry received alongwith the project. The proposal is yet to be considered by the Expert Committee (Mining). Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for September 18-20, 2006. 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/60/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Gautona Dusrifall mine District:South Goa Village: Company:M/s Timblo Private Ltd. Mar 27, 2006 Additional information sought by Ministry received on Aug 3, 2006. Proposal is likely to be considered in the forthcoming meeting of the Expert Committee (Mining) scheduled for September 18-20, 2006 2006 Project No:No.J-11015/63/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Oilem Arvalem Mine District:North Goa Village:Arvalem Company:M/s H.L. Nathurmal Mar 24, 2006 Additional information sought by Ministry received on May 2, 2006. Proposal was considered in the meeting of the Lx¡erl Commillee (Mining) on }uIy 18-2O, 2OO6. CIarihcalion sought by the Expert Committee received on August 17, 2006. Submitted for order on January 9, 2007. 2006 Project No:J-11015/40/2006-IA.II(M) Project Name: Monte De Singao Mine District:North Goa Village: Company:M/s Rajaram Bandakar (Sirigao) Mines Pvt. Ltd. Feb 15, 2006 AddilionaI informalion 1cIarihcalion received on Ieb 27, 2OO6. Proposal was considered in the Expert Committee (Mining) on June 15-16, 2006. Further necessary action is being taken. 2006 Project No:J-11015/28/2006-IA-II(M) Project Name: Sanquelim Iron Ore Mine District:North Goa Village: Company:M/s Sesa Goa Jan 31, 2006 AddilionaI informalion 1cIarihcalion received on Ieb 23, 2OO6. Proposal was considered in the Expert Committee (Mining) on June 15-16, 2006. Under submission for orders on Sep 6, 2006. 2005 Project No:No.J-11015/351/2005-IA.II(M) Project Name: Jaquelar On Jacclevicho Mallo Iron Ore Mine, MLArea: 99.45 haProd. Cap.: 0.8 MTPA District:North Goa Village:Pale Bicholim Company:M/s Tandekar Bros. (P) Ltd. Sep 29, 2005 Additional information received on October 31, 2005. The project considered by the Expert Committee (Mining) meeting held on January 10-12, 2006. Inf. Sought by EC(M) received on Feb 10, 2006. On the observation of the competent authority report on environmental issues raised during the public hearing sought from the State Pollution Control Board on July 25, 2006. Information Goa State Pollution Control Board received on August 21, 2006. Mining projects in the pipeline for environment clearances As on January 3, 2008 GOA Sweet Land of Mine "When we destroy something man-made and replaceable, we are called vandals. When we destroy something irreplaceable and made by God, we are called developers." — Joseph Wood Krutch India’s Environment Ministry abandons Goa to its mining maha and legitimises decades of deadly environment destruction Goa: Sweet Land of Mine Content: Claude Alvares with Reboni Saha Inputs: Nitin Naik, Nirmal Kulkarni, Kalpesh M. Patel, Rahul Alvares, Sandeep Azrencar, Rajendra P. Kerkar, Savio Fernandes, Suneel Korajkar, Aaron Lobo, Carl D’Silva, Amrut Singh, Jamshed Madon, Luis Velho, Judith Almeida, Lambert Almeida, Heraclio Fernandes, Carlos Gracias, Ramesh Bandekar, Abhijit Prabhudesai (all members of the Goa Wildlife Group of the Goa Foundation), Ramesh Gauns, Sushant Naik, Gerard D’ Sa, Roy Fernandes Book design and layout: Aniruddha Sen Gupta Publication date: January 2008 ISBN No: 81-85569-77-0 Website: www.goacom.org/goafoundation Proceeds from the sale of this volume go to a special fund within the Goa Ioundalion sel aside lo hghl lhe environmenlaIIy deslruclive practices of the mining industry in the state. Printed by the Goa Foundation at New Vision Printing Service Pvt. Ltd., 36, Design House, Pilerne Indl. Estate, P.O. Saligao, Bardez, Goa 403 511 Ior mosl ¡eo¡Ie acquainled vilh Goa, lhe ¡iclure of lhe region lhal immedialeIy comes lo lheir mind is of ils grand beaches. This book lakes you avay from lhe beaches, lo lhe inlerior beIl of Goa vhich com¡rises lhe amazing Weslern Ghals. According lo aII scienlihc o¡inion ÷ IocaI, nalionaI, inlernalionaI ÷ lhe Weslern Ghals are one of lhe 12 ecoIogicaI hol s¡ols of lhe ¡Ianel in lerms of lheir enormous biodiversily of ¡Ianl and animaI Iife. Hovever, lhis area has seen lhe sleady increase of slri¡ mining vhich has nov laken on lhe ¡ro¡orlions of an e¡idemic induced by lhe induslriaI deveIo¡menl ÷ of aII counlries ÷ China! India is a¡¡roving lhe graduaI dismanlIing of Goa's Weslern Ghals for lhe deveIo¡menl of China's sleeI induslry since lhe money is sim¡Iy loo good! This book reIales lhe slory of hov lhe Minislry of Invironmenl and Ioresls ÷ mandaled by IarIiamenl vilh lhe lask of ¡rolecling lhe environmenl, foresls and viIdIife ÷ and ils oßciaIs and ex¡erl commiuees, logelher vilh lhe agencies of lhe Goa Governmenl, have ranged lhemseIves vilh Goa's mining maha and abdicaled lheir res¡onsibiIily lo ensure res¡onsibIe mining. More lhan 30 years of irres¡onsibIe and environmenlaIIy deslruclive mining (¡iclures of vhich com¡rise lhis enlire book) have been reguIarised and Iegilimised by lhe Minislry of Invironmenl vhich has nov gol inlo lhe dirly habil of roulineIy and shameIessIy converling every environmenlaI and foresl cIearance inlo a ma|or business o¡¡orlunily. The book has been ¡ul logelher lo enabIe cilizens across lhe gIobe lo make lheir ovn assessmenl of lhe cuI¡abiIily of lhe oßciaIs invoIved nol |usl in lhe deslruclion of Goa and ils viIdIife and foresls bul of lhe biodiversily of lhe ¡Ianel as veII. We veIcome ils readers lo make lheir concerns urgenlIy feIl vilh lhe s¡ecihc aulhorilies Iisled on ils hnaI ¡ages. Contents 9 Part I: A thing of beauty — Goa’s natural heritage Goa’s biodiversity, its ecological endowments and to an equal extent, its sociable people, all are being severely assaulted by ecologically destructive mining. This section introduces the astonishing beauties of the region being mined. 25 Mining in Goa — An historical perspective 26 Part II: Mine, mine, mine — Goa’s new mantra of greed The mining industry has been considered Goa’s ‘sacred cow’: Others call it ‘the backbone’ of the Goan economy. The primitive nature of the mining operations will more easily break the ecological backbone of the State. This section looks closely at the principal actors on the mining front. 32 Part III: Wounds on the earth — the effects of mining The effects of the large-scale mining operations are ubiquitous and pervasive. This sections shows — in pictures — the true horrors of mining operations in Goa, their impacts on Goa’s ecosystems and people. 72 Part IV: The blame game — pinning the responsibility Who are the individuals and departments responsible for the state of affairs? Can you help make them listen? 92 Stand up and be counted Some guidance on a future course of action. Please try it for Goa’s sake. Open-cast or strip mining is one of the most destructive forms of industrial activity in the world. In many areas of the planet, companies have replaced the method with better practices like ‘room and pillar’ extraction, which does not envisage destruction of forests or destruction of nature on the surface. Mining practice in Goa has remained a primitive operation of robber barons for several years. Today, more than 40 mining leases operate in forested areas of the State. They require the destruction of forests on private properties or government-owned forests. Most mining operations are within the ecologically sensitive area of the Western Ghats. Talukas like Sanguem in which many mining leases have been approved are thickly forested. Majority of the government forests allowed for mining have in facl aIready been nolihed as ¨reserve forests” to bring them within the protection of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. That protection, however, has not been a bar to their destruction at the hands of the mining industry and government. Worse, the environment clearances granted have legitimised bad mining, allowing the mines to continue with a business as usual attitude. These clearances were issued ostensibly on the recommendations of ‘expert’ committees headed by chairpersons from the mining industry or mining sector of government. None of the clearances was granted after a site visit to verify the truth of the application, or to at least check out what was being approved. As a result, mines that should have been halted were allowed to continue; the assault on ground water was further legitimised; dust and noise pollution increased many-fold; and, the fact that one could get environment clearances at the drop of a hat provoked many others to queue up. The Ministry of Environment and Forests simply squandered a golden opportunity to bring mining in Goa under the stringent provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. 7 8 For this, the Goans roundly curse the Ministry of Environment and its expert committees for abdicating all responsibility and abandoning the people and their environment to an abysmal fate. Unable to bring to a halt the destructive mining that has now been legalised by the MoEF, the Goans are forced to take to the streets, wondering at the display of rank incompetence, carelessness and lack of concern from the expert committees. In many areas, it is perhaps already too late to reverse the situation, as gross, irreparable damage has already been done to the ecosystems. But there are other pristine areas where the nightmare is yet to start or is just beginning. Many applications still await environment clearance or lease renewals. Hence this book, written undoubtedly in anger and rage, also contains one last desperate plea to those in authority. 9 A lhing of beauly Goa’s natural heritage 9 10 Now increasingly bloodied by the scourge of indiscriminate mining 11 Right: Raising food without harming ecology - temporary paddy helds created out of the beds of rivers year after year. Below: The amazing green carpet of the Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary. Above: One of Goa’s splendid churches serving peaceable communities that have built their economies on sustainable use of natural resources. Goa is a land of rich, natural assets. Besides the beaches which most people link it with, it also embraces rivers and lakes, hills and plateaus, pristine forests and helds. All packed by nature into one of India’s smallest states 11 12 These ancienl and ¡ecuIiar mounlain forms, found vilhin lhe Mhadei WiId- Iife Sancluary, are unique lo lhis ¡arl of lhe Weslern Ghals. 12 13 Left: the Surla waterfalls — water is an intrinsic part of Goa’s natural glory. The annual monsoon brings a thousand waterfalls (dobdobos) into play. 13 14 The Western Ghats — the most important topographic feature and principal watershed of peninsular India — are acknowledged as one of just 12 biodiversity ‘hot spots’ found on the planet. The Ghats run down Goa’s eastern margins – the full stretch – north to south. 14 15 The awesome protection afforded by the natural vegetation of the Ghats enables water to percolate underground and then appear in the form of natural springs and streams. Over the past several centuries, Goan communities have harvested these valer bodies lo creale a nelvork of ¡roduclive ¡addy heIds and plantations, hardly conscious of ores lying below. 15 16 Bird diversity is so enchanting that Goa is one of the major bird-watching tourism sites in the world. Every year, hundreds of tourists arrive here with binoculars and bird data books to enjoy a veritable feast of bird sightings. 16 17 From salt water muggers to exquisite snakes, butterhies and frogs: this is a rich ecology, to be guarded with better protection than given to vaults of gold. At the beaches, Olive Ridley turtles excavate the pits they need to lay their eggs. The region meets all the 12 criteria decided by the Ministry of Environment and Forests for identifying it as ecologically sensitive. The proposal to declare 8,000 sq km of this region as the Sahyadri Ecologically Sensitive Area (SESA) is pending with the Environment Ministry for over two years. 17 18 New species identihed A new species of legless amphibian, commonly known as ‘immandehavu’, has been discovered in the vicinity of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. The research was undertaken by a team consisting of Dr Gopalakrishna Bhat, retired Professor of Zoology, Dinesh K.P., Zoological Survey of India, Kozhikodu, Prashanth P. Agumbe, Rainforest Research Station, and Nirmal Kulkarni from Goa. Dr Bhat and his team encountered three specimens of this species in July 2006 on the bank of one of the tributaries of the river Mhadei. A research paper about the discovery has been published in the November 2007 edition of `Current Science', an internationally reputed scientihc journal. The new species has been named Gegeneophis mhadeiensis after the river Mhadei. The Mhadei river (also spelt as Mahadayi = great mother) originates in the lush forested hills at Jamboti Ghat in the Khanapur taluka of Karnataka. !t hows westward for about 35 km in Karnataka and then some 52 km in Goa before joining the Arabian Sea. Apodans/caecilians, which are fairly well represented in the forested areas, are often mistaken for snakes by the lay observer. Legless, secretive, nocturnal, burrowing, earthworm/snake-like amphibians, they are among the key bio-indicators of a healthy environment. As amphibians live both in water and on land, they are the hrst to respond to changes in the environment. Dr Bhat’s team has earlier discovered three other new species of these creatures in the region — Gegeneophis nadkarnii from Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa; Gegeneophis madhavaorum from Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka; and Gegeneophis goaensis from Sankli-Kheri, Goa. Discoveries keep adding to our knowledge of the actual number of species in this area. Given alongside is a recent example... 18 19 The extent of diversity applies especially to the plant world. Many of the species are endemic to this region only, and several are used by local people in a variety of ways. Macaranga peltata contains an anti-coagulant, anti-inhammatory, anti-fungal, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anti-ulcer compound called bergenin. Snap open a twig, rub the inner pith with the outer stem and make instant glue! It is used by locals to seal cuts. Local knowledge of the benehcial use of the myriad variety of plants is commonplace. Goans know their plants and their uses better than botany professors. That is why they are concerned that these plants which thrive in Goa’s natural landscapes must not disappear. 20 Far left: A foxtail-type hower, Noullava spicata, known locally as ‘wagahati’ or ‘wakeri’. The plant is important for several species of butterhies, and is used medicinally by local villagers. Middle and near left: The luminous white Strobilanthes exiocephalus hower, locally called ‘karavi’. The species howers once in seven years and dies after howering. The howers contain large quantities of nectar, and beehives thrive during the howering period. Below: A lonesome hower, born to blush unseen on a mining dump. Commonly called ‘ran bhendi’, its botanical name is Hibiscus tetraphilus. Its tenacious growth in adverse circumstances is symbolic of how nature is holding on in spite of man’s ravages. In the coastal stretches, mangroves cram every bit of available space, maintaining the environments that hsh require to spawn and breed. 21 From the Ghats to the edge of the sea, some of Goa’s rivers and water bodies still manage to retain their pristine quality, serving plant, animal and human life. 21 22 On the strong basis provided by these natural gifts has been raised a culture that is identihed as the Goan way of life: don’t worry, nature will always provide. Goan hshermen operate their canoe, using traditional nets staked in the Nandovi river bed to catch hsh. Right: Heritage mansions rehect the Portuguese inhuence of 500 years. Far right: Rock paintings of Goa’s ancestors have now been declared a protected site (but are located on an existing mining lease). 22 23 Clockwise from left: Toddy tappers and potters continue to eke out a living using traditional technologies, while the processing of rice is a major occupation involving hundreds of women. The future of agriculture, though, is bleak in an economy dominted by mining. Right: Clams and their harvesting are a major source of income, but the operation of the mines has led to heavy siltation of the river beds, drastically reducing clam populations and threatening this source of livelihood for locals. 24 Lush paddy helds sustainably harvested for centuries now fatally threatened by mining — an unsustainable industry, destined to last a couple of decades at best. 24 25 Mining An historical perspective Goa has been cursed vilh de¡osils of iron, manga- nese and bauxile ores. The economicaIIy vaIuabIe de¡osils of lhese are exhausl- ed. OnIy lhe Iov-grade ones remain. These can be ¡Iun- dered because of Goa's ¡rox- imily lo lhe sea, vhich makes easy ex¡orl of even such Iov grades ¡ossibIe. The Iover lhe grade, lhe Iarger lhe quan- lilies of earlh lhal musl be mined, hence lhe grealer lhe environmenlaI im¡acl. IarIier, lhe ralio of mud/overburden lo ore vas 3 : 1, nov il is 4 : 1. The former coIoniaI Iorlu- guese Governmenl handed oul over 700 ¡ieces of ¡a¡er caIIed mining 'concessions' lo various individuaIs lo con- ducl sim¡Ie, surface-IeveI, manuaI o¡eralions lo exlracl vhalever ores lhey couId hnd (see lhe ma¡ of mining Ieases eIsevhere in lhis book). These 'concessions' vere granled 'in ¡er¡eluily'. ßeing manuaI o¡eralions, lhey vere granled vilhoul any consideralion lheir o¡eralions vouId have on lhe environmenl. Never vas il envisaged lhal mecha- nised ¡over vouId be used on lhese concessions and lhal mining vouId go beIov lhe valer labIe or require exlen- sive demoIilion of foresls in lhe Weslern Ghals or Iarge- scaIe deslruclion of ¡roduc- live agricuIlure. In 1987, lhe Indian IarIiamenl ¡assed a s¡eciaI Iav aboIish- ing lhe mining concessions of Goa, converling lhem inlo mining Ieases under lhe con- lroI of India's mineraI exlrac- lion and environmenl Iavs. Des¡ile lhis, lhe ¡rovisions of lhe Waler IoIIulion ConlroI Acl (1974), lhe Air IoIIulion ConlroI Acl (1981), lhe Ioresl Conservalion Acl (1980) and lhe Invironmenl Iroleclion Acl (1986) vere never im¡Ie- menled by any of lhe aulhori- lies vhen lhe mines came u¡ for lheir hrsl ¡ermissions aher lhe 1987 Acl vas nolihed. In 1994, lhe Minislry of In- vironmenl issued ils Invi- ronmenl Im¡acl Assessmenl (IIA) nolihcalion for environ- menl cIearance bul resisled im¡Iemenling il for Goa's mines. Il vas onIy a ¡elilion hIed by lhe Goa Iounda- lion direclIy in lhe Su¡reme Courl in 2004 lhal forced lhe Minislry lo ensure lhal min- ing o¡eralions vouId nov be done aher ¡re¡aralion of IIA sludies and ¡Ians. ßul did lhe Su¡reme Courl or- der reaIIy make a dißerence` Read on lo hnd oul. 26 26 27 Mine, mine, mine! Goa’s latest mantra of greed 27 28 The bloody trail of mining begins at the mine pits gouged out of the Goan earth, and follows the ore-laden trucks and barges to the ships at Mormugao port. 29 Fuelled by the need to feed the ravenous appetites of the industrial economies of China, Japan and Europe. 29 30 Control of the mining busi- ness is in the hands of a few big Goan industrial familes, including the Chowgules, Dempos, Salgaocars, Timblos, Agarwals, Kunda Gharses, etc. Most leases, however, are owned by individuals who contract the mining opera- tions to the larger companies, in violation of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and De- velopment) Act. Nining in Goa is strip or open-cast mining. The hrst act of the mining agency is to remove the vegetation or the forest that grows on the lease. After the forest is removed (with the approval of the Ninistry of Environment and Forests!), the top soil - a fertile resource - is removed and dumped. What is left behind is soil bereft of organic matter and therefore, life. Then the excavation begins. Goan ore is poor quality: for every tonne of ore, the agency must remove between 3.5 and + tonnes of waste material, dumped in huge mountains. These wastes are washed by heavy rains (more than 120 inches annually) into rivers. Here (left) an excavator removes mining waste from a river. (Above) Nining boards in forested areas. 31 Iron ore production in Goa has always been 100% export- orienled. The hrsl ex¡orl of 1OO lonnes vas in 1947. The hgure rose lo 1 miIIion lonnes by 1954, 1O miIIion lonnes by 1971, and 13-15 miIIion lonnes in lhe 198Os. Today, due lo lhe demand from China, the quantity has reached 33 million tonnes! Goa’s natural assets are being dismembered for relocation to China! Iron ore export volumes have risen dramatically over the years. 31 32 32 33 !"#$%& "$ ()* *+,() Is this really Goa? The effects of mining on Goa’s ecosystems 34 Mining has left scars on the skin of Goa that may never heal. Of all industrial activity in Goa, the most destructive is mining, which has done more ecosystem damage than such high-prohle culprits like tourism and chemicals factories. 35 The greatest impact, of course, is on forests and green areas. Hectare upon hectare of natural growth has, over time, fallen prey to the hungry machines that scoop the ores. 35 36 !"# %&'#()( &% )"# *#()#'+ ,"-)( .&+)-/+ 0-+1 #+2#0/. 34-+) -+2 -+/0-4 (3#./#(5 6/+/+7 2/('#7-'2( )"#/' .4-/0( )& (8'9/9-45 !"# :&'#() ;&+(#'9-)/&+ <.)= >?@A= B-( 2#(/7+#2 )& 3'#9#+) C)-)# 7&9#'+0#+)( %'&0 2#()'&1/+7 )"#/' %&'#()(5 !&2-1 )"# ;#+)'-4 7&9#'+0#+) /)(#4%= )"'&87" )"# 6&D:= 4/E#'-441 (/7+( )"# 2#-)" B-''-+)( %&' )"#(# 3'/.#4#(( -'#-(5 37 Indications are that it takes more than 30 years for a region denuded by mining activities to rejuvenate itself. Mine owners are required by law to rehabilitate areas that have been affected by mining. To date, hardly any mine owners take this requirement seriously. Why should they bother? Vegetation coming up on abandoned mine sites is nature’s way of healing itself. Nature always works with species closely adapted to the area. Current mining rehabilitation proposals rely solely on Australian acacia species! 37 38 The bulk of mining is taking place in the interior areas, well hidden from the eyes of the international tourists who rave about Goa, its beaches and its beauty. 38 39 !"#$%&"'( '* *'%$&+ ,%$,& *'% -"("(. ,/+"#"+0 The estimated area of forests affected due to mining in Goa is about 2,000 ha. Since mining is a non-forest activity, approval of the Central government is required under the Forest Conservation Act. So far 31 cases covering 1,116 ha area have been approved, which includes about 300 ha broken up area of the forest land. The details of mining leases in the forest areas are as given below: Number of active mines ......74 Number of leases ............ 355 Total area ............... 66.9 km 2 Number of leases in forest area .....................91 Number of active leases in forest area .........................26 (19.66 km 2 ) Sadly, these are also the regions that are the most pristine, the places where nature is at her best. Any person holding a mining lease believes that his right to invade the land and excavate the ore is superior to the rights of all other species to survive. 39 40 The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary exhibits even now the wounds resulting from the serious assaults it suffered from mining. Des¡ile a Su¡reme Courl order, issued in 2000, lhe Goa Governmenl ¡ermiued severaI mining Ieases lo conlinue lo be o¡eraled vilhin lhe sancluary. OnIy a com¡Iainl lo lhe CenlraI Im¡ov- ered Commiuee broughl aII mining aclivilies lo a haIl in November 2003. The mine ovners lhen |usl vaIked avay from lhe siles. A visil lo lhe mined area in November 2007 shovs lhe slale in vhich lhey have been abandoned. None of lhe mining aulhorilies nor even lhe Ioresl De¡arl- menl have demanded recIamalion and rehabiIilalion of lhese areas lo dale. 40 41 One of the highest ridges of the Western Ghats within the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary has been stripped of all its cover and is now left to strong eroding winds. There are several other hills mutilated like this. While all authorities turn a completely blind and apathetic eye, the area continues to erode, with the silt hlling up streams below. 41 42 The two wildlife sanctuaries of Mhadei and Netravali were nolihed by lhe Slale of Goa in lhe year 2OOO. The ¡ro¡osaIs vere mooled by lhe Ioresl De¡arlmenl and su¡¡orled and endorsed by lhe Goa Governmenl. Togelher lhey cover an area of some 42O sq km. Wilh lhe nolihcalion of lhese lvo ¡rolecled areas, lhe enlire easlern coasl of Goa became a conlinuous ¡rolecled cor- ridor beginning from Coligao in lhe Soulh and ending vilh Mhadei in lhe Norlh, lhus enabIing lhe animaIs lo move freeIy vilhoul human inlerfer- ence from one ¡arl of lhe Slale lo lhe olher, and across lhe Goa border, inlo Karnalaka sancluaries as veII. There vere, hovever, mining Ieases granled in lhe 195Os ÷ ¡arlicuIarIy for manganese ÷ vilhin lhe lvo areas lhal vere nov nolihed as sanclu- aries. The governmenl did nol lhink il necessary lo canceI lhe Ieases. So, des¡ile lhe facl lhal lhe Su¡reme Courl of India had banned aII aclivi- ties in wildlife sanctuaries and nalionaI ¡arks, mining conlin- ued, ¡arlicuIarIy in NelravaIi, vilh lhe lacil su¡¡orl of lhe Goa Governmenl. In facl, lhe Slale governmenl had moved lhe Su¡reme Courl and lhe Indian ßoard of Wild Life (as it was known lhen) lo denolify vasl sec- lions of bolh lhese sancluaries in order lo enabIe mining lo resume. The Su¡reme Courl dismissed lhe a¡¡Iicalion. In November 2OO3, lhe Cen- lraI Lm¡overed Commillee issued an order lo lhe Slale governmenl bringing lo a haIl aII mining aclivilies in bolh lhe sancluaries. Though min- ing has nov ceased in lhe lvo sancluaries, lhe devaslaled ar- eas which include some of the highesl ridges of lhe ¡rolecled Weslern Ghals have remained un-rehabiIilaled liII loday. RecenlIy, in yel anolher al- lem¡l lo ¡ermil mining lhrough lhe back door in lhe sancluary areas, lhe Ior- esl SellIemenl Òfhcer (ISÒ) a¡¡oinled by lhe Goa Gov- ernment to entertain claims under the Wildlife Protection Acl, 1972, has gone on a s¡ree enlerlaining cIaims of min- ing com¡anies and ¡assed severaI orders excIuding lheir Ieases from lhe sancluaries. IorlunaleIy, lhe ISÒ's orders cannol be execuled due lo lhe Su¡reme Courl ban on aclivi- lies in sancluaries. Mining in wildlife sanctuaries: a tale of collusion, devastation and arrogance 43 In 2002, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, acting on a direction by the former Indian Board of Wild Life, directed all State governments to demarcate a 10-km buffer zone from the boundaries of all wildlife sanctuaries which could be considered ecologically sensitive. When the Goa Foundation pressed the Supreme Court for enforcement of this direction, the Environment Ministry withdrew its circular and instead required State governments to examine the issue on a sanctuary by sanctuary basis and demarcate appropriate areas for notihcation as ecologically sensitive. The Supreme Court then passed a fresh order requiring all the State governments to demarcate their ecologically sensitive buffer zones and to submit their report before the National Board of Wild Life. In Goa, the government set up an Inter-Departmental Committee to demarcate the buffer zone around the six wildlife sanctuaries and one national park. The Committee hrst decided - on the basis of advice from the Forest Department - that a 1-km zone with severe restriction on mining would be best to recommend. In areas where there were forests, this buffer could extend to 3 km. However, as the mining lobbies control the Goa Government and its minions, the committee was forced to eventually water down its recommendations completely. It has now suggested to the National Board of Wild Life that no buffer zone need be maintained from Mollem, Nhadei and Netravali - the three principal sanctuaries affected by mining operations. Zero buffer zones Some scenes of the devastation that has been wrought upon the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary - hills denuded of forest cover or cut in half, together with mountains of waste. If the mining industry has its way, this will be the fate of Goa’s other wildlife sanctuaries as well. 44 “Mining activities, whether occurring within or near Protected Areas, cause a range of environmental consequences that can be severe and irreversible. Mining operations and the process of constructing new mining infrastructure often results in large-scale alteration of the environment at landscape and ecosystem levels. “The clearing of vegetation is one of the most signihcant impacts of mining on biodiversity. Extensive mining operations have historically destroyed large areas of vegetation (AXYS 2002). Loss of vegetation cover occurs not only in the mined area but also in areas affected by associated activities such as dumping of overburden, deposition of tailings, development of infrastructure for transport and service corridors (railway lines, roads, pipelines, conveyers) and surface facilities (ofhces, workshops, vehicle parks, storage depots and warehouses). “The excavation of the substrate materials and creation of the mine voids also alter the soil prohle, hydrology, topography and nutrient status of the substrate. These secondary factors have the potential to have deleterious effects on local biodiversity. At the landscape level, environmental impacts occur generally in the form of alteration of land form features and fragmentation of biological habitats that may cause isolation of populations of horal and faunal species (Brown and Dunne 1988, Banerjee 2004). Fragmentation of habitat into patches of insufhcient size quality may not be able to meet a species’ requirements and may also cause loss of connectivity due to reduction in species mobility between supportive habitats. Altered patterns of stream hows and drainage pattern are also landscape level impacts resulting from mining activities (Treweek 1999, IIED and WBCSD 2002, UNEP 1994). “Impacts on wilderness area values are aggravated by noise and visual intrusion arising from both mining and secondary activities, including transportation. Human immigration in response to real or perceived livelihood opportunities that are created by mining activities often result in increased pressure on the natural resources of the area, disturbance to wildlife species, illegal hunting, habitat fragmentation and the spread of alien invasive species (IIED and WBCSD 2002). Displacement of human populations due to diversion of land for mining can also trigger unsustainable resource-use pressures in other areas allotted for human rehabilitation. “Mining operations also cause air pollution effects that are manifested as dust generation and subsequent increase in Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in the environment, particularly in case of opencast mining. Mining processes can also have serious implications for the aquatic environment as the clearing of vegetation, removal of soil, extraction of large quantities of water, disposal of waste through water systems often lead to soil erosion, increased sedimentation load and alteration of watercourses. Acid drainage from mines is known to cause severe damage to the habitats of aquatic species and/ or may bring about changes in the spawning grounds of hshes and habitats of aquatic species. (ERL 1993, Ghose and Majee 2001, Rajvanshi 1998, Soni et al, 1992, Treweek 1999). “The most serious environmental conhicts in the mining industry revolve around access to mineral reserves in areas recognised as habitat of signihcant conservation values and biodiversity richness or areas of special cultural signihcance. In India, at least 90 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, and many other ecologically sensitive areas are threatened with mining activities (Vagholikar and Moghe 2003). In Goa, mining for various minerals including manganese and iron ore threaten the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), Mollem National Park, Bondla WLS, Netravali WLS, Mhadei WLS and Cotigao WLS.” From an EIA case study, Wildlife Institute of India 44 Studies reveal the impact of mining on protected areas 45 This aeriaI shol, Iike lhose on lhe foIIoving ¡ages, ¡ro- vides a dislressing ¡iclure of lhe scaIe of lhe im¡acls of mining on lhe slale. As you ßy inlo Goa, vhal slrikes you aboul lhe Iandsca¡e is lhe greenness of il. ßul shouId you Iook cIoseIy, you viII aIso see lhe ga¡ing hoIes of lhe exisling mines, and il's no Ionger a ¡relly ¡iclure. 45 46 Where everything was once shades of green, today there are gaping red holes. Where once paradise had come to earth, today there are patches of hell. Can man recreate, after such mayhem, nature’s original design? 47 Where the mines border the shore (like the Redi mines here), the wounded land bleeds into the Arabian Sea. 47 48 Problems are also caused by the mine rejects and wastes which are dumped indiscriminately, polluting water bodies, silting drains and canals, and ruining fertile land. 49 Though mining dumps must be maintained utilising certain procedures, like benching, plantation, etc, in practice dumps have become loose mountains of earth or of mud. Due to annual heavy precipitation over four months, the loose material invades surrounding areas and gets into the helds, rivers and estuaries. 49 50 That is why we keep repeating the question: Is this Goa? Who created this devastation? Who are the authorities responsible for mitigating the effects of such activities, if they are allowed for any reason? Why did the MoEF abdicate its responsibility (and worse) and legitimise such destruction by providing environment clearances to these mines? 50 51 O¡en-casl mining invoIves lhe slri¡¡ing of lhe lo¡ soiI on lhe Iease in order lo gel al lhe ore seams. This lo¡ soiI is dum¡ed aside in mounlains, vilh very IiuIe ¡roleclion lo ¡revenl lhe maleriaI from Ieaching inlo valer bodies, heIds and rivers. As a resuIl of lhese ¡raclices, lhe rivers run red during lhe monsoon and for severaI veeks lhereaher. The exlracled maleriaI con- lains soiI and ore in lhe ralio of 4 : 1, lhal is, four lonnes of soiI have lo be excavaled and sel aside for vinning every lonne of ore. AII lhis re|ecled maleriaI forms lhe mining dum¡s. Mosl of lhese dum¡s cannol be ¡iIed vilhin lhe Iease due lo Iack of s¡ace. They are iIIegaIIy crealed on unused governmenl Iand or in uncIaimed areas. Though mining com¡anies are required by Iav lo ¡ul back lo¡ soiI, overburden soiI and olher maleriaIs inlo lhe ¡ils lhey have crealed ÷ and lhis is a condilion for o¡eral- ing lhe Iease ÷ lhere is IiuIe ho¡e lhis viII ever ha¡¡en. The ¡Iain facl is lhal unliI lhe mine is fuIIy exhausled ÷ vhich means every bil of ore is removed ÷ lhe ¡il need nol be cIosed. Thus, lhe relurn of lhe soiI from lhe dum¡s lo lhe ¡ils viII ¡resumabIy be required lo be done a cou¡Ie of decades from nov, by vhich lime no com¡any viII be inleresled in ¡uuing in money for lhe ¡ur¡ose, as by lhal lime, lhe Iease viII nol be ¡roducing any income. More lhan 60,000 lonnes of lhis maleriaI every year Ieaches inlo lhe valervays. Left and above: The Kushawati River supplies drinking and irrigation water to several communities downstream. Due to reckless mining activities, the river bed is now covered with mining silt, which turns the river turgid. Here, farmers scoop up silt to show the condition of the river bed. A ¡ioneering sludy by lhe NalionaI Inslilule of Ocean- ogra¡hy (NIO) 20 years ago, indicaled lhal lhis maleriaI had s¡read ilseIf Iike a hIm on lhe esluaries of lhe Mandovi and lhe Zuari, eßecliveIy de- slroying lhe cIam hsheries of lhe slale. The silualion loday is a hundred limes vorse. The NIO has sim¡Iy given u¡ ils sludies in lhis direclion. 52 But the scooped-out, exposed cavities, with their mountains of waste, are not the only devastation dealt upon the land... Black manganese deposits in a denuded section of the Netravali forests. Unfortunately, the richest pickings of the ore are often under the oldest forests. 52 53 Among the most serious long-term effects of mining in Goa is its heavy toll on watersheds. 54 Left: A recently cut hillside, with water pouring apparently from nowhere. This displays how hills act as catchments for water, keeping the water tables high due to capillary action. The undulating terrain of hills ensures catchment of water during the monsoons, and a high water table. Goa's unique position - nestling along the coast, with the slopes of the Ghats ensuring entrapment of moisture and creating waterfalls which pour in from the Deccan plateau - makes the state a paradise. !t has for millennia replenished its own bountiful natural resources, but is now under threat of ceasing to do so because of the accelerated rate at which a few mining companies have started exploiting those resources for their own greed. Tiny pools like this one are constantly forming and disappearing in the hills and forests of the Western Ghats, symbols of the cycle of replenishment that nature undergoes if left alone. 54 55 A bloody fate awaits surface water bodies — rivers, canals, lakes, even the sea — once mining is sanctioned. Mining also destroys delicately poised groundwater aquifers. 55 56 How does mining cause village wells to run dry? When min- ing commenced in Goa in lhe 195Os, lhey vere su¡erhciaI manuaI o¡eralions, nol envisaged lo go dee¡ beIov ground. Today, hovever, aII mines having mechanised, lhey go veII beIov lhe valer labIe, ruining il com¡IeleIy. When mining aclivilies go beIov lhe ground valer labIe, valer from ad|a- cenl areas migrales inlo lhe mining ¡il, Ieading lo ils ßooding, ¡revenling o¡eralions. To meel lhis ¡robIem, de-valering is a slandard ¡raclice. Huge ¡um¡s sim¡Iy ¡um¡ oul lhe ground valer, in order lo aIIov mining lo ¡roceed. LvenluaIIy, lhe en- lire ground valer labIe is eilher em¡lied or Iovered, rendering viIIage veIIs dry. 56 57 When MoLI ofhciaIs vere queslioned aboul hov lhey couId granl ¡ermissions in such circumslances, lheir res¡onse vas lhal lhe ¡reva- Ienl im¡ression vas lhal Goa has ¡Ienly of valer, vilh 12O inches of rain! They cIaimed nol lo have heard that mines were creat- ing ¡robIems vilh lhe valer su¡¡Iies of ad|oining viIIages, even lhough ma|or com¡Iainls of droughl and valer scarcily had emerged in mosl ¡ubIic hearings deaIing vilh lhe con- linued o¡eralion of lhe Ieases. The MoLI, hovever, did knov lhal il vas granling a¡¡rovaIs for mines lhal vere culling across lhe valer labIe. This avareness is reßecled in many of lhe environmenl clearance letters which con- hrm lhal mining has inler- secled lhe valer labIe. (Some mines in facl have gone 8O melres beIov lhe ground!) The damage done lo lhe hydrogeoIogicaI regime can- nol be reversed in severaI decades. In order lo kee¡ u¡ a ¡relense of concern, lhe MoLI asked lhe mining com¡anies lo sub- mil hydrogeoIogicaI sludies vilhin lvo years lhal vouId shov lheir mining aclivily vas nol affecling ground va- ler aquifers. ßul in lhe mean- vhiIe il aIIoved lhe mining lo conlinue. The mining com¡anies vere quick lo ¡ay for sludies from mining inslilules lhemseIves eager lo ¡romole mining or devoled lo ils ex¡ansion. Hovever, lvo ma|or scienlihc sludies of an inde¡endenl nalure exisl on lhis sub|ecl: a) The Chachadi sludy from Goa Iniversily, vhich dveIIs on lhe im¡acls of mining on ground valer regimes in IissurIem. b) The Maralhe sludy, con- ducled by IIT Mumbai, vhich is much oIder, bul makes observalions on a valershed basis. ßolh sludies indicale vilh delaiIed scienlihc evidence lhal mining is deslroying lhe valer labIe in lhe crilicaI va- lersheds of Goa. As for lhe recorded ¡ubIic hearings vhich conhrmed va- ler scarcily ¡robIems caused by mining, lhe ex¡erl com- millees never bolhered lo ask for lhe re¡orls, lhus vishing avay lhe ¡robIem aIlogelher. Though pits accumulate water, the impounded water is sterile, biologically dead and hardly of use to village communities because of its sediment load. 58 The net effect of mining’s assault on the water table — mine pits are ñooded and require water to be pumped out, while adjacent areas suffer shortages in water supply. It is paradoxical and ironic that while development is to improve the standard of living of unprivileged villagers in Goa, mining development (see de-watering pix at extreme left) has resulted in empty tanks and wells, forcing people to line up with utensils before public water taps. Some villages are now provided with water in tankers, but what happens to them when mining ceases a few years from now? 58 59 The dust raised by mining activities, and more so by the trucks that roar by laden with ore, create a choking coat on plant life, as they do on the lungs of people. The overIaden lrucks deslroy lhe road, lheir ore s¡iIIs on il. As lhe endIess slream of heavy vehicIes race each olher for more lri¡s (and more cash), lhe SIM in lhe area makes Iife inloIer- abIe for lhose vho have no conneclion vilh lhe mining busi- ness. ChiIdren are lhe mosl aßecled: ¡oIIuled schooIs can be found ad|acenl lo mining dum¡s! 59 60 The Iav aIso requires mine ovners lo ¡ul in ¡Iace adequale ¡ubIic uliIilies lo com¡ensale for Ioss in quaIily of Iife engen- dered by lhe mines. Whal is ¡rovided lo lhis end, if anylhing is, are shoddy, sub-slandard and ino¡eralionaI so¡s. The gen- eraI allilude of lhe mine ovners lovards lhe IocaIs vhom lhey inconvenience is one of beIIigerence and inlimidalion. Monocultures of Australian acacia can be found gallantly occupying mining dump slopes and abandoned mining pits. Mining owners are promoting the use of their open cast abandoned pits as potential water reservoirs so as to avoid the necessity of restoring the land with indigenous species of plants. 61 In Rivona, a beautiful area of south Goa, many of these problems come together. Blasted and now abandoned hillsides, endless rows of trucks overloaded with ore and recklessly driven, trees covered with a hlm of ore and dust, paddy helds drying up due to the struggle to retain water in these areas (after mining goes below the water table) and State and Central governments in cahoots with the mining barons. 61 62 The unchecked interference with the ecosystem also results in a more immediate and devastating effect. Silting of rivers, clogging of drains and imbalances in the water table have led to unprecendented ñoods in several regions. These incidents — and the resultant loss of life, livestock and property — can be directly linked to mining activities. Rivers and streams run red with mining silt. Eventually, the bed gets raised, leading to hoods in areas that have never faced them before. 63 An ex¡erl commiuee, consliluled by lhe governmenl, com¡ris! ing re¡resenlalives of lhe IubIic Works De¡arlmenl (IWD), Ca¡lain of Iorls, Direclorale of Mines and Induslries, and lhe AgricuIlure De¡arlmenl, lo invesligale heavy ßooding ex¡eri! enced in ßichoIim on lhe nighl of }une 13, 1981. The commil! lee submiued ils re¡orl vhich vas a cIear indiclmenl of one of Goa's ma|or mines Iessees, M/s V.S. Dem¡o Limiled. Il slaled: !"# %&' ()%(&*'#% )+') ,- %&' +./'+ 0.' 1,*' *.#'12 3&'+' *.#.#4 )(%./.%5 .1 6'7 .#4 8#9'+%):'# -,+ %&' 0)1% ;< 5')+1 ,+ 1,= >'()81' ,- *.#.#42 9'/'0,?*'#%)0 )(%./.%5 )#9 9'-,+'1%)%.,# .# %&' ()%(&*'#% )+') ,- %&' +./'+2 %&' 1,.0 *)#%0' 4'%1 9.1?0)('9 with the result that loose soil ñnds it7 1'0- %+)#1?,+%'9 65 %&' +).# 3)%'+1 %, %&' 3)%'+ (,8+1'1= >'()81' ,- %&' 1%''?#'11 ,- %&' 6'9 10,?'1 .# %&' 8??'+ +')(&'1 ,- %&'1' 3)%'+ (,8+1'12 %&' ()++5.#4 (&)##'0 )(@8.+'1 (,#1.9'+)60' /'0,(.%52 3&.(& .1 -8+%&'+ 1(,8+.#4 ,+ '+,9.#4 %&' 6'9 ,- %&' (&)##'0= A,3'/'+2 3&'# %&' +./'+ ,+ 3)%'+ course traverses at terrain, the veloc7 .%5 4'%1 +'98('9 )#9 %&' *)%'+.)0 3&.(& .1 ()++.'9 .# 181?'#1.,# 4'%1 1'%%0'9 .# %&' (&)##'0 ()81.#4 1.0%.#4 )#9 +'98(%.,# .# %&' ()++5.#4 ()?)(.%5 ,- %&' (&)##'02 +'7 180%.#4 80%.*)%'05 .# %&' ,/'+,3.#4 ,- 6)#:1 )#9 .#8#9)%.,# ,- 0,3 05.#4 )+')1 )0,#4 %&' 6)#:1=B The extent of damage at Bicholim is horrifying, with entire hills sliced away, exposing the insides of the earth. To pacify the local villagers are sops like the bus stop below. 63 64 In general, people carry a low value in the mining equation. They are an expendable resource. This is evident in the unsafe conditions in which mine workers function (see coverage of the Tollem mine disaster above), the danger to local residents from the rushing trucks (an account of one horrible accident is recounted by an eye- witness in the write-up on the facing page) and the hazardous health conditions created for people living near the mines or along truck routes. 65 MINING KILLS 19-11-07 ! #$%&' () *+' ,%-.%/+.* 0- *+' 1.2 *0 3'4/.(5 *+$0(/+ *+' 3./+1.- 6.+.&''$ 7%4#4%8' 9.-:*(.$2 %; -'$&'<$.:=%-/> ?-;*'.# 08 *+' ;:'-* 08 *+' @(-/4'A 20( ;5'44 B($-%-/ B$.='C:4(*:+ 4%-'$; .-# #%';'4 8(5';> ,+' ;%4'-:' 08 *+' 80$';* +.; B''- ;+.**'$'# B2 5%-%-/ *$(:= '-/%-'; /$%-#%-/ () .-# #01- *+' D+.*;> ,.=%-/ 0$' 8$05 . -(5B'$ 08 5%-'; %- *+';' 80$';*'# .$'.; *0 *+' )0$* %- D0.A *$(:=; $.:' #01- *0 /'* *+' 5.E%5(5 -(5B'$ 08 *$%); . #.2> 7+%4' *$.&'44%-/ 0- *+%; $0.# . :0()4' 08 2'.$; ./0A ).;* )0*+04'; .-# $.:%-/ *$(:=;A 1' ;.1 . 4.$/' )%4' 08 5%-%-/ 0$' #(5)'# %- *+' 5%##4' 08 *+' $0.# .-# B';%#' .- 0&'$*($-'# 5%-%-/ *$(:=> F'')%-/ 0(* 08 *+' 401'$ )0$*%0- 08 *+' )%4'A 1.; . 4%**4' 1+%*' 5'*.4 )%':'> G- ;*0))%-/A 1' ;.1 %* 1.; . ).$* 08 . :.$A . 1+%*' 7./0- HA B($%'# :05)4'*'42 B'-'.*+ %* .-# ;I(.;+'# *0 .B0(* *10<.-#<.<+.48 8''* +%/+> 7' .40-/ 1%*+ 0*+'$ *$.&'44'$;A 1+0 ;*0))'#A 8$.-< *%:.442 *$%'# *0 'E:.&.*' *+' :.$A 50;*42 1%*+ 0($ B.$' +.-#;> 7' 5.-./'# *0 'E:.&.*' . 20(-/ B02 8$05 *+' B.:= ;'.*A :+0=%-/ .-# B$'.*+4';;A +%; 50(*+ 8(44 08 0$'> ! 4%**4' 4.*'$ +%; 50*+'$A 4%5) 1%*+ +'$ -':= B$0='- .-# . 4%**4' 4.*'$A +'$ +(;B.-#A -01 :04# .-# #'.#> ,+' /$''# 08 *+' 5%-%-/ 40BB2 %- .4401%-/ *+' #'< ;*$(:*%0- 08 *+' $0.# .-# 8.5%4%'; 1+0 *$.&'4 0- %* #'50-;*$.*'; *+'%$ :.440(;-';; .-# *+' 4.:= 08 .-2 :0-*$04; 'E'$*'# B2 *+' /0&'$-5'-*> ,+%; %; -0* .- %;04.*'# :.;' .-# 5.-2 50$' +.&' #%'# 0$ 4%&'; +.&' B''- *+$'.*'-'# B2 *+' 4.$/' ;:.4' (-:0-*$044'# 5%-< %-/ *.=%-/ )4.:' *0#.2> Des¡ile lhousands Iiving in lhe mining areas and daiIy svaI- Ioving dusl and hne ¡arlicIes of ore, lhere is nol a singIe com- ¡rehensive heaIlh sludy done for lhe Slale of Goa in regard lo Iung funclion lesls and olher bioIogicaI lesls. Worksho¡ afler vorksho¡ has recommended such sludies lo assess lhe ¡ossi- bIe heaIlh hazards such as siIicosis and olher res¡iralory disor- ders. The Governmenl of Goa slays unmoved. Noise ¡oIIulion is so severe and so ho¡eIess lhal severaI viIIage communilies have sim¡Iy given u¡, reIenled and begun lo ac- ce¡l monlhIy cash com¡ensalion ¡aymenls for suffering noise ¡oIIulion inslead of allem¡ling lo gel noise ¡oIIulion conlroI Iavs enforced. 66 Things have come to such a pass that the otherwise laid-back Goans are increasingly coming out in protest against the mines and their exploitative and disruptive operations. On the following pages are just a small sampling of some news coverage of such incidents (of late, a scan of the local dailies shows that there is almost one such item reported every day). 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 It’s not just the media — even the courts agree that something is rotten in the State of Goa. In a landmark judgement, the High Court awarded compensation amounting to Rs 3.6 crore to farmers affected adversely by mining activity in parts of the State. The text alongside is extracted from a media report on this judgement. PANJIM: The mining companies will de- posit compensation of Rs 3.6 crore plus in the Bombay High Court, Panjim bench on or before August 30, 2007. This compensation is for the 761 ag- grieved farmers in Surla village,North Goa, whose helds have been destroyed due to mining ac- tivity. The High Court has appointed Deputy Collector/Sub Di- visional Magis- trate, Bicholim, as Court Commissioner for the purpose of disbursement of the amount depos- ited in the Court. If there are farm- ers whose names do not hnd mention in the list, then they would have to ap- proach the Zonal Agricultural Ofhcer with an application raising a claim. While M/S V.M. Sal- gaonkar & Broth- ers Pvt Ltd will have to pay a com- pensation of Rs 85,56,930, M/S Chowgule & Co Pvt Ltd will pay a com- pensation of Rs 85,53,263, M/S Sal- gaoncar Mining In- dustries will pay a compensation of Rs 85,53,263, M/S V.S. Dempo & Co Pvt Ltd will pay a compensation of Rs 85,53,263, M/S D.B. Bandodkar & Co Pvt Ltd will pay a compensation of Rs 36,66,208 and M/S Timblo Pvt Ltd will pay a compensation of Rs 36,66,208. Once the amount is deposited in the High Court by the mining companies, the amounts paid to the occupants or owners between 1997 and 2007, would be deductible and ad- justable on pro- viding documentary proof of payment. It was agreed by both parties that by paying the com- pensation, the ob- ligation of the mining companies as regards the de- Mining companies to pay compensation By Preetu Nair 71 silting of silts in helds would be dis- charged. The villagers of Surla had suffered immense loss in agricultural yield from the year 1993 due to silting of the helds from the adjoining mining units and had hled a writ petition in the year 2004. A report on evalu- ation of crop loss suffered by farm- ers from 1993-2004 and assessment of cost of removal of silt and damage to agricultural prop- erty in terms of fertility and water retaining facil- ity in Surla vil- lage had suggested that the farmers be paid compensation from 1993-2004 for loss of yield. This committee was con- stituted on April 5, 2005. The Court, while hearing the matter said that the compensation should be paid from January 1, 1993, to December 31, 2006, to 761 occupants. The committee re- port states that there are active mines on North, East and South sides all along the hills in the vil- lage. Due to silt- ing, approximately 1,090 ha consist- ing of 124 ha un- der paddy (both kharif and rabi), 603 ha under gar- den crops and 363 ha under dry crops have been affect- ed. While there are helds that have incurred to- tal loss of kharif and rabi crops, the main yield of ca- shew crop has also fallen by 50%, the report states. Division bench of Justice R.S. Mohite and Justice N.A. Britto hearing the matter has further directed all mining companies operating in Surla village to carry out and un- dertake adequate protective measures such as provisions catchment drains, providing protec- tive walls for silt arrestation/check dams in between as also afforestation of the dumps. On January 4, 2008, the Supreme Court accepted the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee that 16 mines in Goa would have to pay compensatory sums exceeding Rs.100 crore before they would be allowed to resume work on their leases in forest areas. The CEC found that the costs imposed on the companies for destruction of forests on their leaseds were undervalued by the MoEF to the advantage of the companies. The CEC also found that temporary working permits to work in forest areas had been granted by the MoEF in blatant disregard of the Supreme Court’s orders and that these permits needed to be cancelled. The CEC has proposed the amounts, when collected, would be placed at the disposal of a committee for restoring wilderness areas in the states. Rs 100 crore for Goa’s wilderness 72 The blame game Pinning the responsibility for the destruction of Goa Passing the buck for the damage done by mining companies in Goa has been a regular pastime among the statutory authorities. This is how the blame game works: The Goa State Pollution Con- trol Board held the view that it was not required to grant consents under the Air and Water Pollution Control Acts, on the specious grounds that what happened on the mining leases was the responsibility of the Regional Controller of Mines. As a result, the regula- tions under these two Acts remained unenforced vis-a- vis mining, and no authority bothered about air and water pollution control for the past 40 years. It is only in the year 2006 that the Board com- 73 menced granting consents under these two Acts. The Board still refuses to monitor air and water pollution from mining. It says that all air pol- lution from mining trucks is the responsibility of the RTO under the Motor Vehicles Act. All discharges into the rivers are beyond its control. The Regional Controller of Mines (RCM) indicates it is not concerned with the pollu- tion caused by mines as this is the responsibility of the Min- istry of Environment which grants environment clearances after looking into all aspects of the environment, and the Pollution Control Board, which has to monitor pollu- tion levels. The RCM says it is only concerned with approval of mining plans. The Department of Mines, Government of Goa, says its only job is to grant the leases for mining. It does not con- cern itself with mining opera- tions after the leases are grant- ed. That is the responsibility of lhe ofhce of lhe Dislricl Collector (if people are affect- ed), or the Pollution Control Board or the RCM. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, admits that it grants environment clearances but insists that this clearance is effective only if the mining company has obtained NOCs from the Wildlife Warden, the State Pollution Control Board and other authorities. It claims that when it grants environment clearances, it does not consider the im- pacts of mining operations on wildlife and forests as there are separate departments for these aspects. Hence, its environment clearances are issued without any reports on these critical environmental components. Parties must get these separately. This is the equivalent of the MoEF saying that it issues a formal gradu- ate degree to a student, but the degree is valid provided that the student has obtained a ¡ass cerlihcale in aII his1 her subjects! How does one grant an environment clear- ance when the issue of forests and biodiversity impacts are not considered by the expert commillee` The signihcanl fact is once an environment clearance is granted, all other approvals are granted as a matter of routine because it is simply assumed by all the authorities lower down that the environment clearance was granted after taking all relevant factors into consider- alion! Many of lhe ofhcers in lhe heId (Iike Chief WiIdIife Wardens) are actually subor- dinale ofhcers in lhe Lnviron- ment Ministry: try getting any of them to produce a report contrary to their bosses! It is ironic tht the entire pro- cedure for grant of environ- mental clearance was recently reviewed and revised by the previous Environment Secre- tary, Prodipto Ghosh, under the garb of infusing them vilh scienlihc ¡rocedures and bases. Can this be called a sci- enlihc im¡rovemenl, or vas the review exercise by this former ADß ofhciaI skiIfuIIy engineered to sabotage the environment laws in favour of business? 74 As of December 31, 2007, there were about 70 mines cleared for operation in Goa by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), which granted its clearances without visiting any of these devastated areas. In addition, there are a large number of illegal mines. A list of mines is provided on the reverse of the maps attached at the end of the book. 74 75 75 These “environment” clearances do not take into account the severe ecological havoc perpetrated by these mines over the past decades, but treat the mining as if it is just due to start. The past is forgiven in the interest of business! No conditions are therefore imposed for restitution, repair and recovery of ecological endowments from earlier activity; No conditions are imposed to protect the right to life of the settled communities on or adjacent to the mining leases, to protect their quality of air (including dust and noise pollution) and water; Clearances have been issued for “two years” with the requirement that the companies produce a hydrogeological certihcate that their activities will not impact the ground water. However, the clearances record that mining has already intersected the ground water table. The Ministry, when it issued such orders, had only a base-line study done after 2005 and despite the experts knowing that it would take from +-5 years years for scientihc studies on impact; The clearances were issued without considering impact on forests, as MoEF claims “forests” are not part of “environment” as per its procedures; similarly with wildlife; Carrying capacity of the Western Ghat system to absorb the impact of all the leases approved taken together was not even considered; No protection was afforded to adjoining rivers or lakes; No consideration was allowed of rich agricultural plantations and farms. According to the MoEF and its experts, such concerns are seen as being part of “environment” clearances; The clearances were granted on concocted data produced by the companies without independent verihcation by authorities. 76 A good number of leases lie within the wildlife sanctuaries. The Goa Government allowed mining to continue in these leases despite the Supreme Court’s orders till they were stopped by the Central Empowered Committee. Within the last year, the expert committee and the MoEF have granted environment clearance to three leases within the Netravali wildlife sanctuary! 76 77 77 Environment clearances have been granted for several Ieases lhal vere nolihed as “reserve forests” under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. 78 As the maps indicate, the so-called expert committees of the MoEF have approved open-cast mining within 1-3 km of Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries. If the protector himself turns hunter, pity the game. As the white square within this map indicates, min- ing leases have been granted “environment clearance” even when located within the corridors enveloped by three connected wildlife sanctuaries. 78 79 79 80 The story of the mining industry in Goa is replete with gross violations of the law, and abuse of the land. Take, as an example, the case of the mine with TC no. 135, circled in white on the map extract above. This mine is lo- caled vilhin1on lhe boundary of lhe NelravaIi sancluary. The document on the facing page is the opening sheet of the environmental clearance provided to this mine by the MoEF. Read it carefully. 80 81 Of particular interest are the lines circled in red: The clearance refers to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary as being “located at a distance of 4.0 km towards South of the lease”. Where is the point of mentioning Cotigao when in fact this lease borders and spills into the Netravali Wildlife Sanctu- ary and has nothing to do with Cotigao? This is a deliberate allem¡l lo misIead and is nol conhned lo lhis exam¡Ie aIone. The sanctuary directly affected is Netravali. The clearance gets around this by referring to the Netravali Wildlife Sanc- tuary as “proposed”. The fact is that the sanctuary was noti- hed by lhe Ioresl De¡arlmenl as far back as 1999. Even had this not been the case, the Supreme Court’s order banning mining in protected areas covers all sanctuaries, vhelher nolihed under Seclion 18 (¡ro¡osed) or Seclion 35 (hnaI) of lhe WiIdIife Iroleclion Acl, 1972. The WiIdIife Acl dehnes a 'sancluary' as an area nolihed eilher under Seclion 18 or 35 of lhe Acl. What is most shocking about documents such as this, is that this subterfuge is being practised by the very Ministry set up to protect India’s wildlife and forest resources. 82 MoEF reduces public hearings to a farce Nothing illustrates the com- plete farce involved in MOEF supervised public hearings as the instance of the hearings surrounding the Sarvona min- ing lease located at a hamlet called Vathadev in Bicholim Taluka. The Sarvona mining lease (TC 28153) of M1s. Zanlye & Co. Pvt. Ltd. was granted in 1953! (It was operated manually for manganese sporadically till 1956. Thereafter, mining was permanently stopped). The lease covers an area of 72.00 ha. which – 50 years later – is all agricultural plantation forest land, and settled com- munities. The lease is located on the bank of lhe ßood ¡rone ßich- olim river from which the town takes its name. The Bicholim River is a fresh wa- ter perennial tributary of the Mandovi, which originates in the Western Ghats. There are residential areas around and in close vicinity of lhe Iease. During lhe hrsl ¡ub- lic hearing on the lease, the to- be-affected residents protested improper procedures and got the hearing postponed. They also went on a protest morcha. At the second public hear- ing held on 24.3.2007, all the local people including the women unanimously opposed the proposed mining op- erations. The hearing lasted over six hours. The hearing established that the rapid EIA prepared by the company was a false and fabricated docu- ment: it provided incorrect in- formalion on ßora and fauna and did not disclose existence of forest on the lease. The gram sabha of Sarvona village had already passed a resolution against the min- ing project. At the request of the villagers, the Collector agreed to refer the matter to the state government before sending the public hearing proceedings (including video recordings) to Delhi. How- ever, the company directly presented the public hearing proceedings to the MoEF, which despite the unanimous opposition, granted environ- ment clearance in a record period of four months. The environment clearance does not even mention the exis- tence of the Bicholim River or any measures to protect it from destruction. The mining activity proposed is an abso- lute threat to the river and to the forest on the river bank. Mining would also devastate horticulture spread over one lakh sq.m and dairy opera- tions presently yielding 2 to 2.25 Iakhs of Iil1yr. lo lhe residents; their 22 water wells and homes. The Tillari irri- gation canal passes through the lease area, covering more lhan 38,OOO sq.mls. of Iand. None of these concerns are addressed in the environment clearance order. The environment clearance has now been challenged before the National Environ- ment Appellate Authority in Delhi. 83 The environment clearance letter on the Sarvona mining lease states the lease does not have forest or vegetation. Pictures alongside show rich forest, especially adjoining the Bicholim river (at far left). The area is also rich in biodiversity and contains signihcant number of very ancient trees, some taller than 10-storey buildings. Despite huge public protests expressed at the public hearing (below) and an absoute rejection of the mining proposal by the Gram Sabha of the village, the MoEF granted clearance in a record time of three months. It is on record that the Pollution Control Board was yet to send the proceedings of the public hearing to the MoEF at Delhi when the grant of environment clearance was announced. 84 In 2OO6, lhe Governmenl of Goa nolihed lhe RegionaI IIan for Goa 2011 which is a statutory land-use plan accompanied by a surface utilisation map. Due to major anomalies discovered by the public and an ensuing well-documented outcry, the RP 2011 was withdrawn with retrospective effect in October 2006. Interestingly, whereas a surface utilisation map requires that ALL zones of impact be shown on it, the mining leases were nol discIosed. WhiIe sludying lhe ofhciaI ¡oIicy documenls, activists found details hidden deep within. The existing mining areas were indicated (shown here in black), while the proposed expansion of mining in Goa for the future was marked (here shown in red). This was a shocking discovery. Mining would not only cover aImosl 8.5/ of Goa's Iand mass, il ¡ro¡osed lo cul righl inlo the Bhagwan Mahaveer and Netravali Sanctuaries. If the Plan had not been withdrawn, a terrible fate would have befallen these havens of nature. Existing and proposed (RP 2011) mining areas in Goa The Goa Regional Plan 2011 — a disastrous agenda hidden deep away in the hles reveals the real truth behind the claims of mining being the ‘backbone’ of the economy. 85 Mine owners are able to convince gullible experts that they are lhe 'backbone' of Goa's economy. Given here is a lhumb-ruIe comparison of the footprint of the Regional Plan 2011 in terms of its proposed industrial estates, agricultural lands and coastal settlements (for hotels and tourism) vs Net State Domestic Iroducl (ofhciaI for 2OO3-2OO4). Il shovs lhal mining nels onIy 4.14/ of SDI, for vhich il demands a fool¡rinl of 8.5/ of lhe slale vhereas manufacluring, vhich nels 25.88/, had a ¡ro- ¡osed fool¡rinl of a mere O.65/. The data is indicative of the lopsidedness of land use vs in- come. Add to that the huge environmental and social costs of mining, and the equation is skewed beyond any reasonable level. The Goa government receives approximately Rs 200 crore annually as royalty from the mines, and the Central Govern- ment several times that amount as excise. However, nothing of this is set aside to repair the damage to ecological assets. Comparison of proposed geographical footprint (RP 2011) vcrsus Nct 5tatc DnmcstIc Prnduct (2003-04 ñgurcs) for some key sectors in the economy of Goa P e r c e n t a g e o f t o t a l 3O/ Manufacturing Tourism trade Mining Agriculture, foreslry, hshing 2O/ 1O/ Contribution to Net SDP Geographical footprint 25.88/ O.65/ 3/ 8.9/ 8.5/ 13.31/ 7.77/ 4.14/ A comparison of the geographic footprint versus the economic benehts of different industry sectors reveals that mining fares poorly in comparison to the other industries. 86 It was already known several years ago lhal lhe ¡rohls from mining in Goa are more than cancelled by the economic cosls of damages inßicled by mining activity on fragile ecosystems, water resources, forests and public health. The Energy Resources Institute (TERI) made an elaborate study of this issue and recom- mended that the costs of min- ing could be mitigated if the mining companies were asked to pay Rs. 7 per tonne of every ore excavated. If the govern- ment was serious about a total rehabilitation plan, this would require a tax of Rs. 26 per tonne to be sourced to both mining companies and the Goa government. (This recommendation was made in 1998, al lhe requesl of lhe Goa government, when iron ore fetched US$15. Today, a tonne fetches US$90!) However, till today none of these recom- mendations has seen the light of day. Two major problems villagers in mining locations face are: a) Who will supply them water once mining is over and the mining companies withdraw from the lease? (At present, after disrupting groundwater aquifers and turning village wells dry, companies supply water in trucks). b) Who viII hII back lhe o¡en mining pits, some of which are more lhan 8O melres deep, as much of the exist- ing material excavated has already gone into the rivers and nullahs? In 2003, the Central Govern- ment amended the MMRD Rules to require the approval of a hnaI mines cIosure ¡Ian from all mining companies. Under the plan, the mines will deposit bank guarantees at the rate of Rs. 25,000 per hectare of land used for mining. According to the proposal, this money will be set aside for reclamation and rehabilita- tion of exhausted mines and pits. The companies can claim deductions from this amount if they carry out reclamation and rehabilitation work dur- ing the life of the mine. Knowing the companies’ past habits, all of them are going to claim in any case that they have already spent Rs. 25,000 reclaiming each hectare of their exhausted mines. At Rs. 25,000 an hectare, not much reclamation can be done in any case since the cost of lruck lrans¡orl lo carry hII material for even a few dozen feet of mine pit would require much more than that. Wilhoul a hgure menlioned, the prospect of getting the mines reclaimed was better. It appears the 2003 Rules have been nolihed lo assisl lhe min- ing companies get out of their responsibilities to reclaim and rehabilitate mines. Thus Goa is bound to have a series of moon craters for all time to come, generating their own brand of havoc for the coming generations. Costs and 87 6. Dr S.D. Attri Member Director, Indian Meteorological Department 7. Prof Narendra Kumar Goel Member Professor and Head, Department of Hydrology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 8. Dr V.B. Mathur Member Dean, Faculty of Wildlife Sciences, Wildlife Institute of India, 9. Shri B.P. Singh Member Director of Mines Safety (S&T), Directorate General of Mines Safety 10. Dr S.K. Aggarwal Member-Secretary Director, Ministry of Environment & Forests List of Expert Appraisal Committee (Mining) members (those responsible for approving Goa mining leases till August 2006) 1. Dr Velu Annamalai Chairman 2. Professor G.S. Roonwal Vice Chairman 3. Shri B.K.P. Sinha Member Former Director Hindustan Zinc Ltd, 4. Shri R.K. Sinha Member Controller of Mines (Planning & Co-ordination), Indian Bureau of Mines 5. Dr Sudhir Kanaiyalal Dave Member Sr Deputy Director, National Institute of Occupational Health Two ‘expert’ committees have been responsible for much of the irresponsible recommendations relating to the continuance of Goa’s iron ore mines despite the gross environmental damage associated with such mines for several years. Al hrsl, lhere vas onIy one 'ex¡erl' commillee on min- ing, headed by Dr Velu An- namalai, a former Chairman of SAIL (the Steel Authority of India). The list of members is given alongside. As the pressures mounted for quicker and speedier (and more careless and thought- less) approvals, a second, addilionaI 'ex¡erl' commillee was set up under M.L. Ma- jumdar, former Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Mines (also therefore from the industry side). The other members of the Majumdar expert committee are listed on the following page. The environment stood little chance in the face of these two committees headed by persons wholly sympathetic to the iron and steel industry and mining. These so-caIIed 'ex¡erl' com- mittees followed a blatantly partisan methodology. They acce¡led aII lhe 'dala' ¡rovid- ed by the project proponents 88 vilhoul inde¡endenl verihca- tion and, till fairly recently, did not even bother to consult the public hearing records generated by the public hear- ing process. The poor villag- ers who attended the public hearings genuinely believed their voices were going to be heard. Little did they know that the public hearings were nothing but a farce because lhe 'ex¡erl' commillees vouId scarcely be able to even read the voluminous notes sent in by the Pollution Control Boards, since they were ex- ¡ecled lo 'cIear' around 6O projects at each sitting! So they had no time to visit the mines, not a single one of them — much less try to meet the people affected by mining operations or NGOs who had made representations. List of IInd Expert Appraisal Committee (Mining) members (those responsible for approving Goa mining leases since September 2006, who will take up the remaining lease cases for approval) Shri M.L. Majumdar, IAS (Retd.) Chairman B-3 01, Harmony Apartments, Plot No. 6-B, Sector 23, Dwarka Phase I New Delhi 110 075 Dr B. Padmanabhamurthy Ex-Director, Indian Metereological Department, B-3B/*C, Janakpuri, New Delhi 110 058 Dr Satish R. Wate Deputy Director & Head, Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment Division, NEERI, Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440 020 Dr A. Mohankumar Director, 2-511 (A), CTC Colony, Near Pillaiyar Koil, Vivekananda School Opp., Tirupur 641 608 Tamilnadu Dr K. Suresh 21, Venu Reddy Street, Alandur North, Chennai 600 032 Dr B.K. Mishra Professor, Department of Eco-Development Planning and Participatory Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun Dr Binayak Rath Professor of Economics, Indian Institute of Technololgy, House No.405 (R), FB 651 (O), !!T Post Ofhce, Kanpur 208 016 (U.P.) Dr T.K. Joshi B/22, New Krishna Park, Dhouli Piao, Shivaji Marg, New Delhi 110 018 Dr S. Subramaniyan 54, V.G.P. Golden Sea View Part II, 2nd Main Road, 5th Cross Street, Palavakkam, Chennai 600041 Shri B.S. Roy Member, Expert Committee on Mining, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, G-280 Sarita Vihar, New Delhi 110 076 Dr Gurdeep Singh Professor and Head of Department, Centre for Mining Environment, Indian School of Mining, Dhanbad 826004 89 Scientihc studies on damages from mining in Goa Neither the expert committees named in this book nor the Environment Ministry cared lo Iook al any of lhe scienlihc studies already carried out on the impact of mining activi- ties in Goa. This is extremely unusual for a Ministry that was set up as a science-based department. It is even more unusual for a government that is duty bound to follow the three principles of envi- ronment law laid down by the Supreme Court of India: “Polluter Pays”; “Precaution- ary Principle” and the “Public Trust Doctrine”. Listed here are a few of the studies, some sponsored by the MoEF itself. “The Mandovi river is estimated to carry about 200 thousand metric tonnes of sediment from the North Goa mining belt every year. After monitoring the environmental health of the estuary in 1974-5 and 1984-5 the scientists of National Institute of Oceanography did not dare to repeat the sampling in 1994-5. Would we see the same diversity of hshes in this river again?" Nandukumar Kamat, eminent environmentalist Chachadi A.G., Impact Assessment of Open Cast Mine Dewatering on Local and Regional Ground Regimes in Goa. TERI, 1997. D’Souza J., Lobo, Belinda, Souza, Marina, Effect of Mining on Microbial Ecology of Bicholim Taluka, Goa: Possible Restoration Processes in the Region. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt of India, 1995. De Souza, S.N. (National Institute of Oceanography), Effect of Mining Rejects on the Nutrient Chemistry of Mandovi Estuary, Goa. Indian J Marine Sci, 28(4) (1999), 355-359. Dhaveji C.S., Survey of Goan Mining Industry, 1992. Ganihar, S.R., Impact of Mining on the Faunal Composition of Goa. Goa University, 1990. Gonsalves, D.V. and D’Souza J., Impact of Mining Rejects on Water Quality at Selaulim Water Project, Goa. Indian Journal of Environmental Protection, June 1999, pp.427-431. Government of India, Ministry of !ndustry, !dentihcation of Protected Districts (circular), Feb 17, 1987. Indian Bureau of Mines, Study of Environmental Pollution Control Measures in Goa, 1995. Modassir, M., Impact of Current Iron Ore Mining Activities on the Environment of Goa and Proposed Measures to Minimise Long-term Environmental and Economic Damage, University of Hull, UK. Nayak G.N., A Technical Report on Impact of Mining and Physico- Chemical Changes due to Siltation in Mayem Lake and Other Water Bodies of Bicholim Taluka, Goa. MoEF. Nov. 1995. Nayak, G.N., Impact of Mining on Environment in Goa: Present Status. Goa University, 1994. Nayak, G.N. and Rao, T.S.S., Studies on Sediment Flux of Rivers, Estuaries and Adjoining Coastal Waters of Goa, West Coast of India. MoEF, Government of India, 1993. Parulekar, A.H. et al, Effect of Mining Activities on the Clam Fisheries and Bottom Fauna of Goa Estuaries, Proceedings of Indian Academy of Sciences (Animal Sciences), Vol. 95, No. 3, June 1986. Rank, J.S., Study of the Impact of Mining Rejects on Degradation of Soil and River Ecology, Met Centre, Ahmedabad. 90 These studies present strong local scientihc evidence about the ill effects of mining on various aspects of life and society, but that does not seem to concern the experts. Depletion of fresh water in the mining regions of Goa, India: Gendered impacts and responses By Shirin Cooper, Yogita Mehra and Anuradha Joshi This paper by three researchers focuses on the human dimensions of changes in ground water in the mining belt of Goa from a gendered perspective. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has legitimised all mines working below the ground water tables. The environment clearance letters of the Ministry mostly record, without understanding, that mining will cross-sect the water table. However, no measures are suggested, even for the mines cleared in the vicinity of wildlife sanctuaries. “Barges are used in Goa for carrying iron ore. While sailing through the estuaries, barge movement gives rise to strong waves, which sometimes damage the young mangrove seedlings. Rhizophora seedlings are broken by the boats passing through the plantation (Hong, 1996).” Rajiv Kumar Extension Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun “I wish to also point out that mining activities in Goa, in addition to causing environmental hazards like air pollution, deforestation and damage to agricultural land, pose a constant threat of physical accidents to around 16,000 persons employed in the mining sector in the State. It is essential that the Annual Plans have appropriate provisions for providing safeguard measures to prevent accidents apart from checking environmental pollution and degradation of agricultural land.” Opening remarks by Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India Tenth Plan & Annual Plan Discussion 2002-2003: Goa Samat, L.D., Environmental Management and Reclamation of Iron Ore Mines of Goa. In: National Seminar on Protection of Environment and Ecology by Mining Industry, Vol. I and II, 1989. Shetty, S.M. et al, Effects of Mining on the Ecosystems of Sanguem, Bicholim, Sattari and Quepem Talukas: Goa, Technical Report I, Department of Environment, Forests and Wildlife, Government of India, New Delhi, 1987. The Energy Research Institute (TERI), Areawide Environmental Quality Management (AEQM) Plan for the Mining Belt of Goa, 1997. Torne, S.G. and Gaonkar, R.V. Response of Plant Species to the Mining Sites Situated at Pale and Sirigao, Technical Report, 1986-1989. 1989. 91 Area-wide environmental quality management plan for the mining belt of Goa The Energy Research Institute (TERI) (1998) “Present conditions in the study area can be summarised as: - Nining has been prevalent since the 1950s and has led to environmental degradation. - No effective measures have been taken to control land, air and water pollution. - The runoffs from the dumps, pit water discharge and the tailing pond overhow account for most of the sediment (TSS) loads in rivers/streams/nallahs. The worst affected rivers are Bicholim, Mhadei, and Kandepar. Some of the mines have their dumps right on the river banks from which there is run off directly into the rivers during the monsoon. - Run offs from dumps has affected about 320 Ha of agricultural land due to silting. - Air quality index developed for the villages in the study area show that in many of villages the population is exposed to poor/bad air quality. Dust pollution is a problem in cluster II and III villages and along certain stretches of road corridors. - Socio-economic study has identihed many issues that are of concern to the villages. - Scarcity of water is common in all clusters but more acute in villages in clusters III and IV. - vocational training institutes are almost non existent in the villages. Alternate employment opportunities are very limited in the mining area. - Sanitation facilities are almost absent in the villages. - A total impact index (T!!) was developed for each village taking into account environmental impacts and social conditions in the mining villages. 11 villages are highly stressed with TII > 10 and 20 villages are moderately stressed (TII > 5 but < 10).” Goa: Blood on the mountains Sunita Narain, Centre for Science and Environment, in Down to Earth magazine, April 11, 2007 “We were standing between a massive mine and a stunning water reservoir. Local activists were explaining to me that this iron ore mine was located in the catchment of the Salaulim water reservoir, the only water source for south Goa. Suddenly, as I started clicking with my camera, we were surrounded by a jeepload of men. They said they were from the mine management and wanted us off the property. We explained that we had come on a public path and that there were no signs to indicate that we were trespassing.. But they were not in a mood to listen. They snatched the keys of our jeep, picked up stones to hit us and got abusive. In the next village, Colomba, I was surrounded once again: not by goons of a mining company, but by women of the village. We were standing on top of the hill, overlooking the village. But where we were, bulldozers, mechanised shovels and trucks were hard at work. They were breaking the hill, shovelling its mud, dumping the rejects and then taking away the ore. The mine had just started operations, said the agitated women, but their streams were already drying up. The sight of the red waste on the green lands presented a stark contrast. They dragged me down into the village, where they showed me their wasted helds. They then showed me how the mining waste — and there are tonnes of this red mud — was being dumped into their streams. They walked me to a home where the walls had been badly damaged, they said, because of the blasting in the mines. The house owner, Devki Katu Velip, told me that when she complained to the miners, the supervisor told her they would destroy her house completely if she dared protest again. 92 Shri S. Regupathy Minister of State, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, Paryavaran Bhavan, C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110 003. Phones: (011) 24361727, 23018939, 23018668, 23015470 Fax: (011) 23015603 E-mail:
[email protected] Shri Namo Narain Meena Minister of State, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, (same address as above) Phone: (011) 24362131 Ms Meena Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, (same address as above) Phones: (011) 24360605, 24360570, 24360519 E-mail:
[email protected] Mr M.L. Majumdar Chairman, EIA Expert Committee on Mining, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India (same address as above) Members of the EIA Expert Committee on Mining (see page 88 for addresses) In Goa, write to: Shri Digambar Kamat Minister for Mines, Government of Goa, Secretariat, Porvorim, Bardez, Goa. Phones: (0832) 2224845, 2730432 Fax: (0832) 2453510 E-mail:
[email protected] The Director Department of Mines, Udyog Bhawan, Panaji, Goa. Phones: (0832) 2425291, 2426431 E-mail:
[email protected] Regional Controller of Mines IBM Colony, New National Highway, Near Arlem Breweries, P.O. Fatorda, Margao 403 602, Salcete, Goa. Phone: (0832) 2741757 Fax: (0832) 2741758 E-mail:
[email protected] Stand up and be counted... Was the MoEF right in granting environment clearances to regularise this mammoth assault on Goa’s environment and ecosystems? If you disagree with what the MoEF has done, are you willing to do something about it? You should write to the persons listed alongside, asking for: a) the appointment of a high-powered monitoring committee to review the entire process of granting such clearances to mines in Goa; b) that the high-powered committee will review the clearances already granted with a view to ensure they incorporate as- pects to protect ecological assets of the state and the quality of life of settled communities; c) Till this is done, no further environment clearances ought to be granted for mining in Goa.