the goan I network
PANAJI
The Director of Mines and Geology Prasanna Acharya has directed all mining leaseholders to continue activities of pumping of water and other safety measures from the mining pits as was being done when the mines were in operation. This is being done in response to various representations he has received from village panchayats, locals and representatives of people.
In his instructions issued to all leaseholders, the Director said “the safety measures are required to be continued in view of the fact that exploitation of such leasehold areas have necessitated certain safety measures to be undertaken not only in the interest of mineral development in efficient and scientific manner but also for the safety of people and their property situated adjacent to the leasehold areas.”
“All the lease holders involved in the pumping of water in the past are directed to continue to pump the water… as was carried out before the order,” Acharya said in his letter. The Mines Director has also said that such “safety activities” and pumping out of the water was also important from the point of view of safety and for the use of agriculture, horticulture, drinking etc and “may not in any way amount to mining operations directed to be stopped by above referred Supreme Court of India.”
He has further said that stopping of pumping of water etc, “may deprive the villagers of a regular supply of drinking water which is required for basic human existence and is required to live with dignity which is a fundamental right protected by Highest Court of Justice.”
The Director of Mines and Geology has directed the leaseholders to carry out all safety measures on daily basis as well as pre-monsoon safety measures under the guidelines of Directorate of Mines Safety and that any deviation of the instruction “will be viewed seriously.”
