Goa
Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) organized a special
program to mark commemoration of Goa Revolution Day that is known
defiance of Portuguese colonial rule by late Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia in
1946. The program was held in quite evening in tribal hamlet of
Bendordem, Balli in Quepem taluka in South Goa.
Program started off
with welcome gesture by local member of Panchayat Bikhudas Velip. Few
people spoke their views from heart at this meeting attended by many
including local school children. Advocate John Fernandes was the first
one speak after Sebastian Rodrigues had just finished introducing theme
of the day and the historical significance of Goa Revolution Day.
Advocate John Fernandes
was in his usual free flow with revolutionary fervor and spoke at quite
a length setting the tone for the rest of the program. He observed that
in current Goa there is freedom for three categories of people: mine
owners, politicians and rulers. The common people are still oppressed.
Hence there is a need for another revolution. Advocate Fernandes
referred to the historical writings of Dr.T.B.Cunha that proves mining
companies support to Portugal colonial rule in Goa. He said that it was
mining companies that was responsible for the delay in getting
Portuguese out of Goa. Mining companies are not concerned about common
people. Biggest danger to Goa currently is from mining companies. In
nearby Cavrem and Maina life of people is in constant danger. Its
mountain – devapan dongor - has two mines operating on top of it –
Sheikh Salim, and Magnum.
State government in
collusion with mining companies has a plan to evict tribal people and
take away their land for mining. There are also long term plans to make
bypass road to transport ore to Betul for loading into vessels in
Arabian Sea. Direct effect of every mine is felt to the distance of 8
kilometers in radius.
The need of the time
currently is to support Cavrem villagers today and launch another
revolution today against mining plunder of Goa. Don’t trust Digambar
Kamat, the Chief Minister of Goa. He is a number one mining agent. He
is responsible for Goa’s mining loot. Be alert and keep mining away.
Goa government is not
implementing Forest Rights Act 2006 in Goa. This is so because mining
leases are in tribal lands. This law is not implemented in Goa to
favour mining companies.
Agricultural Tenancy
Act implementation also suffers as survey under this law never took
place in Goa. Cases in courts drag for 10-15 years. Landlords
deliberately file cases on cultivators. Government not bothered about
common people. It is concerned only about rich people. SC/ST people are not
yet liberated. Land acquisition for various projects are of common people.
Schedule
Tribe Act is not implemented and tribal areas are not notified. There
is urgent need to thoroughly examine if the fruits of liberation has
reached the common people in Goa. There is an urgent need for strong
revolutionary movement in Goa. Revolutionary way is the only way ahead.
Anthony D’silva from Ambelim, Salcete said that mining is making large number
of people in Goa medically sick. It is causing urinary problems, kidney
problems as Goa’s
water dams are polluted due to mining silt and government simply
supplies this water to the consumers. Its treatment creates more
problems than purification. He said it is important to become aware in
advance and take precautionary action against mining industry. Abhijit
Prabhudesai from Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott expressed dismay against
mining industry. He pointed out that Sirgao village in Bicholim is
destroyed due to mining. He called upon the villagers to unite and
protect villages for future generations and not to let the mining
companies to swallow up lands. He pointed out that currently world is
facing food and water crisis and it is only going to aggravate in near
future is mining industry continues its wrath. Government policy of
distributing rice cheap at Rs.3/- per kilogram is meant to motivate
farmers to give up cultivation. Xavier
Fernandes from Colamb, Sanguem in his fiery speech said that land is
mother – matrubhoomi. Mining companies are defiling it continuously. He
said that mining companies if they continue the way they are going
about then they will finish the entire ecology. It is important to work
physically and not to accept money offered by mining companies. People
must unite to fight the State in Goa.
Badruddin Mavany’s mine in Cavrem releases large quantity of lime
inside the mining pits. This in turn pollutes ground water as visible
from the Saptu Faterpekar’s home well in the close neighborhood. Pandits and
Brahmis are hegemonising the state in Goa. He called upon youth to come
forward and join the struggle. Mining has destroyed the agriculture in Goa that
used to be the backbone of people’s economy. Mechanized mining is very
dangerous. Temples
constructed by mining companies are only to divert attention of people.
He shard his experiences of Pissurlem visit in Sattari taluka. He
observed that Dempos, Salgaonkars and Chowgules has finished of the
village. Lancia
Rodrigues pointed out that mining makes people displaced from their
land and hence it must be opposed. Money offered by mining companies
are not so valuable and must be rejected by people. Shanu
Gaonkar opposed mines in Bendordem and shared about the recent
struggled in his village. He thanked GOAMAP team for visiting remote
village and offering support to the struggle. He said people in
neighboring villages also needs awareness on mining issues. He said
there is secret survey for the road through the village for mining
company is currently going on and it must be opposed. Bhikudas
Velip, member of Panchayat, Balli panchayat shared his experience in
fighting mining lease in his village. He observed that that is nexus
between village talathi and the mining company. That is the reason he
said the mining lease notice was displayed on village notice board
after the last date to file objections. The corruption and mining
onslaught villagers fought with two weeks non-stop agitation in the
middle of the village. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat – who is mining
minister for the past decade and half - was forced to retract on mining
projects here. Towards the end of the meeting resolution demanding
cancellation of all mining leases in Goa and permanent ban on new mining leases
was unanimously passed.
Sebastian Rodrigues
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