The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) comprising of A.D.Salkar and J.A Keny has today issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Director of Mines and the Member Secretary Goa State Pollution Control Board seeking a detailed report within two weeks on the complaint over the denial of fresh air and water to the residents of Sonshi in Satari.
In the complaint it has been pointed out that over 350 residents of Sonshi have been denied their fresh air and water for the last few months due to mining ore transportation. Attention of the GHRC has been drawn that the Supreme Court has held that the right to access to drinking water is fundamental to life and that there is a duty on the State under Article 21 of the Constitution to provide clean drinking water to its citizens. The Supreme Court has also held that the concept of a healthy environment is part of the fundamental right to life. No business activity can violate the rights of the residents and particularly the children to a clean environment. It has been sought that the Chief Secretary, Director of Mines and the Member Secretary Goa State Pollution Control Board be directed to explain as how they are mute spectators to the plight and hardships being faced by the residents of Sonshi and the children in particular whose human rights are being blatantly violated. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com