Introduction:The tradition of mining in the region is ancient and underwent modernization alongside the rest of the world as India has gained independence in 1947.[3] The economic reforms of 1991 and the 1993 National Mining Policy further helped the growth of the mining sector.[3] India's minerals range from both metallic and non-metallic types.[4] The metallic minerals comprise ferrous and non-ferrous minerals, while the nonmetallic minerals comprise mineral fuels, precious stones, among others.[4]
Most of the mines in the state are concentrated in four talukas—Bicholim in north Goa, and Sattari, Sanguem and Quepem talukas in south Goa. Activists say that an estimated 100,000 people living in the villages in these four talukas are affected. Besides loss of livelihood, they are also suffering from the adverse effects of air noise and water pollution. “Mining has caused irreversible damage to forests, agriculture, fisheries and water aquifers,” says Abhijit Prabhudesai, member of Goyencha Xetkarancho Ekvott (GXE), a non-profit in Margaon city. He says the government has allowed mining even in forest areas despite the presence of wildlife.
The mining has also affected the Salaulim dam on the Salaulim river in Sangeum taluka, which supplies drinking water to half the state's population, besides providing water for irrigation and to industries. Over 20 mines are operating in the vicinity of the dam. Heavy silt has settled in the dam reservoir because of mining. An official in the state water resources department admits that mining has damaged the state's water resources and says the department is now reassessing the life span of the Salaulim dam. The dam was commissioned in the 1970s with an expected life span of 100 years. A study conducted by The Energy Resources Institute (TERI) in 1994 showed excess iron and manganese levels in the Salaulim reservoir water. “This was when mining was at a much lower scale as compared to present level of mining. We have repeatedly asked the government to conduct a study on water availability and quality, but nothing has been done till date,” says Prabhudesai.
Superintending engineer with the water resources department, S V Prabhavalkar says there is little his department can do. “Mining is carried out under the laws of the Central government. All state laws are overruled by Central laws, and there is hardly anything we can do with limited powers and resources,” he says. “Our powers are limited to issuing notices to offenders. It is the office of the collector which is supposed to take punitive action,” he adds.
Conclusion: The recommendation in this report are intended to improve health and safety in mines and ensure that all workers arrive home to their friends and family each day. The aim is to integrate occupational health and safety improvement while supporting innovation and fostering productivity in the sector.
Most of the mines in the state are concentrated in four talukas—Bicholim in north Goa, and Sattari, Sanguem and Quepem talukas in south Goa. Activists say that an estimated 100,000 people living in the villages in these four talukas are affected. Besides loss of livelihood, they are also suffering from the adverse effects of air noise and water pollution. “Mining has caused irreversible damage to forests, agriculture, fisheries and water aquifers,” says Abhijit Prabhudesai, member of Goyencha Xetkarancho Ekvott (GXE), a non-profit in Margaon city. He says the government has allowed mining even in forest areas despite the presence of wildlife.
The mining has also affected the Salaulim dam on the Salaulim river in Sangeum taluka, which supplies drinking water to half the state's population, besides providing water for irrigation and to industries. Over 20 mines are operating in the vicinity of the dam. Heavy silt has settled in the dam reservoir because of mining. An official in the state water resources department admits that mining has damaged the state's water resources and says the department is now reassessing the life span of the Salaulim dam. The dam was commissioned in the 1970s with an expected life span of 100 years. A study conducted by The Energy Resources Institute (TERI) in 1994 showed excess iron and manganese levels in the Salaulim reservoir water. “This was when mining was at a much lower scale as compared to present level of mining. We have repeatedly asked the government to conduct a study on water availability and quality, but nothing has been done till date,” says Prabhudesai.
Superintending engineer with the water resources department, S V Prabhavalkar says there is little his department can do. “Mining is carried out under the laws of the Central government. All state laws are overruled by Central laws, and there is hardly anything we can do with limited powers and resources,” he says. “Our powers are limited to issuing notices to offenders. It is the office of the collector which is supposed to take punitive action,” he adds.
Conclusion: The recommendation in this report are intended to improve health and safety in mines and ensure that all workers arrive home to their friends and family each day. The aim is to integrate occupational health and safety improvement while supporting innovation and fostering productivity in the sector.
