Goemkarponn Desk
BICHOLIM: Local resident, activist, and environmentalist Ramesh S. Gauns expressed grave concerns about the proposed transportation of ore through public roads, village roads, and district roads in Bicholim in a letter to the Director of Mines and Geology, Government of Goa. The letter, dated April 25, 2024, emphasizes the possible dangers associated with these kinds of transportation activities, especially in view of the numerous and substantial number of trips that are suggested.
In order to facilitate operations at Vedanta Limited’s Bicholim Block – I Mines, Gauns’ letter specifically mentions an upcoming recommendation to the Honorable Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court that suggests allowing ore transportation on various public thoroughfares.
The proposal raises questions about road safety and environmental impact because it shows a startling rate of 120 trips per hour, as detailed in documents submitted to the Directorate of Mines and Geology.
Gauns calls on the authorities to reevaluate their position and give public safety and environmental protection top priority, citing Supreme Court directives on road safety and the requirement to maintain environmental clearances. He stresses that before approving any permits for such extensive ore transportation, extensive public consultations with the impacted communities must be held.
While Vedanta Limited claims to have dedicated roads for transportation, Gauns highlights inconsistencies between the proposed transportation plan and the existing infrastructure, pointing out that the volume of trips proposed is far more than what these roads can handle without encroaching on public thoroughfares.
Gauns concludes by cautioning about the potentially disastrous effects of making careless decisions and saying that the Directorate of Mines and Geology will be held responsible for any negative effects on the environment or public health. He restates the need for inclusive and transparent decision-making procedures, stressing the significance of first consulting the impacted communities before taking any additional action.
