the goan I network
PANAJI
The Bombay HC at Goa expressed its displeasure that the monies deposited in the District Mineral Fund, meant for those affected by mining activities have not been spent on the most basic need of providing drinking water to the villages of Sonshi affected by mining.
“We are at a loss to understand the apathy. Finance is not an impediment, specific funds and schemes are in place, yet it requires orders from this Court to provide safe drinking water to the mining-affected villages,” the Bombay HC said in its order issued on Monday.
“We direct the Chief Secretary to file an affidavit, either by himself or by a draft settled by him, giving details of the amount available in the DMF and in what manner it is being spent as contemplated under the Scheme for the interest and benefit of the persons and areas affected by mining-related operations. The affidavit to be filed within a period of three weeks,” the HC said in its directions.
In the same order, the HC had directed the Chief Engineer, PWD, to visit Sonshi village on Tuesday and report to the Court on his visit after inspecting the ground realities in the village.
Earlier, the Court had directed the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, to visit the village and file a detailed report on the availability of water to the Sonshi villagers and implementation of the court’s earlier directions for immediate supply of water up to 600 litres per day (inclusive of 50 litres of potable water).
Based on the report of the Secretary, the Court had asked for the Principal Chief Engineer, PWD to remain present.
A PIL filed by the Goa Foundation in respect to Sonshi village pleaded for urgent supply of water and rehabilitation of the villagers.
It also sought implementation of the DMF scheme.
Petitioners informed the Court that the total amount available till date in the two district foundations is Rs.140 crores and not a single rupee has been spent on the welfare of persons and communities in mining-affected villages.
Reports from Sonshi have indicated that by Tuesday evening the PWD commenced work with the supply of five Sintex tanks to the village community.
In another matter dealing with mining-affected villagers from Shirgao, the HC directed the Directorate of Survey and Land Records and the mining companies to demarcate the paddy fields of the villagers which were submerged in mining silt over several years.
The villagers are demanding the restoration of their fields so that they can commence with paddy cultivation in the coming monsoon.
