Goa News: Demand to restart mining operations intensifies

Bicholim: People gathered in large numbers for the public hearing regarding resumption of mining operations at Zante Hall here and the general consensus was that the entire Shirgao village and temples should be taken off lease and mining activity should be restarted.

Most people supported mining while some opposed it. Dr Shamila Monteiro, Member Secretary, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), North Goa Collector Dr Sneha Gitte, Deputy Collector Rohan Kaskar and officials of various other departments were present at the public hearing. Police personnel were also deployed to maintain law and order during the public meeting.

The public hearing was in relation to environmental clearance required for mining of 0.5 million tonnes of iron ore per annum under Block III at Shirgao. The meeting passed peacefully except for a few complaints. About 300 villagers were present during the meeting.

Most of the suggestions revolved around the protection of the village’s ecology, natural water resources and agricultural land, while some even suggested the removal of entire villages from mining sites. Some suggested giving back control of more than 12,000 hectares of communed land.