Tremors Just A Passing Phenomenon Says Mamlatdar Tremors which evolved from the mining areas of Sanguem were felt as far as Sanvordem and beyond and all that the pawn of the miners and politicians, called Mamlatdar of Sanguem had to say was, “it was just a passing phenomenon”. The word “phenomenon” means an unusual, significant circumstance or an unaccountable fact or occurrence that is perceptible or detected by our senses, it also means a remarkable or an outstanding person; a paragon.
The Mamlatdar himself said that it was a phenomenon, so it becomes an unusual fact and unusual facts need to be intensely investigated. The scientist feel that large scale mining creates vacuum in the earth which further weakens the ground layers and hence has a considerable impact on surrounding areas. This may not look serious but with the dam in close proximity with the mining hub, it could also be disastrous. Is the Mamlatdar expert enough or qualified enough to state that, there is nothing to worry about, without any concrete investigation ? The scientists say there is a distinct possibility that the tremors could have been a result of the large scale mining activity and the high intensity blasting done therein. If there is even the slightest of possibility that the ground layer could crumble then it not at all wise of the Mamlatdar to make such premature remarks or give some hollow assurances. The Selaulim Dam is the life line of South Goa and a huge part of south Goa could get washed away if the floor of the dam becomes unsteady, it is a serious matter for the welfare of the people living in and around affected parameter. Our Minister for Water Resources Filipe Neri Rodrigues claims that the dam is safe. Has any study been done to support his claim or both he and the Mamlatdar are saying things at the behest of their master, the mining fraternity, leaving Goans vulnerable to the wroth of nature ? The Authorities should be serious about the safety of the people first and not jump to wrong conclusions just because they profit from the mining activity. The lives of people should not be put to risk for personal gains. Open cast and illegal mining and high intensity blasting should be stopped at all costs As administrators and elected representatives of the people, they should do their best to protect and preserve the land and it’s people and in doing so they could indeed be the phenomenon’s, the remarkable persons; the paragons, themselves. Do it for Goa and Goans. Freddy Agnelo Fernandes