Current Status : Mulgao Villagers Oppose Vedanta Mining Clearance
Villagers of Mulgao (North Goa) have approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) opposing the Environmental Clearance (EC) being awarded to m/s Vendata Limited for its mining activities in Bicholim Mineral Block (Block – 1), for production capacity of 3 metric ton per annum (MTPA).Similar to Shirgao village, which is part of mining block-3, even this village is facing wrath of political and corporate greediness as temples, schools, private properties and natural water bodies have been auctioned. Moreover, the information provided by the consultants to procure the EC has been falsified to great extent, claimed the villagers, who have their eyes set on the judgement of the NGT.
One of the dreadful facts is that this particular mining block is on top of the mountain, where all the mining activities are conducted. Where as, this village, Mulgao, is based at the foot of this mountain. Mining activities on such a sloping terrain, coupled with heavy monsoon, is a deadly combination as is discussed amongst the villages and is also mentioned in front of the NGT. Along with the mountain, there are private houses, two primary schools, a dozen plus temples, panchayat office have also been auctioned by the government of Goa.
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Villagers Protest “Greenfield” Label for Vedanta Mining Project!
The mining activities are going on for the last 5 plus decades and now after fresh auctioning on the lease, our block has been notified as Greenfield Project, said Swapnesh Sherlekar, resident of Mulgao and also the appellant in this case filed in the NGT. Just because you change the mining company but continue mining activities on the same spot, which has been mercilessly butchered, you cannot name it as Greenfield, he added with agony. Vasant Gad, Chairman of Sri Kelbai Devi Temple, said that, “The EC issued to this mining project has been opposed in our Gram Sabha considering the long term ill effects on the future generations of residents of Mulgao”. We have even approached the Goa CM Pramod Sawant and shared our concerns in written but our demands have only fell on deaf ears, he added.
Previous Accidents
He shared an incident of 2011, when one of the bunds collapsed and the mining silt moved to the lake that was almost adjacent to the mine. This incident was the start of devastation of the lake where in the water source reduced and the lake size was also trimmed. Since then agricultural activities have almost come to halt, he claimed. The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GPCB) was equally blamed as there was a visit by the senior officials but nothing came out of it.
Our earlier Expose on similar issue:
Professional Reports Ignored
Only to commence mining activities the violations are so blatant in broad day light that even an institution as ethical as NEERI is being glaringly ignored. NEERI has already mentioned in its report, after a minutely conducted survey, that the ground water level has been breached, impacting the nearby agricultural activities, threatening the future. What do you expect when a century old lake is notified as silting pit while applying for EC, questioned Swapnesh. They arent even sparing the generations old temple of Sri Kelbai Devi, along with the private properties, as all have been auctioned for mining, he added.
Villagers have said that auctioning of temple has hurt their religious sentiments and there has been almost zero political assistance from the elected MLA’s and MP’s or even the Chief Minister of the state Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Different Law for Corporates
Category of the land owned under the Tenancy Legislation cannot be changed and only agricultural activities can be done in Goa. However the villagers have claimed that even such land parcels have been auctioned for mining, concluding that politicians have given a free hand to the corporates to run through the environment.
The Panchayat or local body which has been elected after following the due process under the Constitution of India, has also been insulted, as there has been no NOC obtained from the Mulgaon Panchayat. In fact, in August last year, the Panchayat has already informed that they are against resumption of mining activities, unless and until their grievances are heard and acted upon.
Goa CM’s shocking reply:
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant didn’t know that this lease issued to m/s Vedanta Limited was categorized as a Greenfield project. While discussion was going on during the Zero Hour of the assembly session of 2023, Sawant was asked if this project was a Greenfield project or not. To this the reply was NO, whereas this was notified as a Greenfield project. Sawant went ahead and assured that no one will be forced to vacate their premises or temples and they would be excluded from the lease, after due process is followed.
Generations of Mulgaon village, with population of around 4000, has been suffering due to continuous mining activities and are now fearful of the fact that the same shall continue unabated for the coming decades. With no solution in sight the present or the next generation may be forced to leave their footprints behind, in search of a better future and bearable Environment!
In Short About The Post:
- Villagers’ Appeal: Mulgao villagers oppose Vedanta Limited’s Environmental Clearance (EC) for mining due to falsified information and potential hazards.
- Greenfield Controversy: Decades-old mining area labeled “Greenfield Project,” disputed by residents.
- Local Opposition: Residents and the Gram Sabha oppose the EC, citing negative impacts and ignored concerns by officials.
- Environmental Risks: Past incidents and ignored reports highlight ongoing environmental dangers.
- Religious and Legal Violations: Auctioning of temples and agricultural land violates local laws and hurts religious sentiments.
- Government Response: CM Pramod Sawant’s assurances contradict facts, increasing villagers’ fear of future mining impacts.
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