PIL highlights pollution by Goa mining industry

According to the petitioners, the transport of iron ore through open trucks and railway bogies along the town poses severe health hazards to the inhabitants of Curchorem. They have also want the local self-government authorities to clear the large quantities of iron ore stocked in the open.

The Bombay High Court, which is hearing the petition, has directed Goa8217;s chief secretary to take steps to remedy the situation. This includes suggestions on implementing areport submitted by a House Committee of the Goa legislative assembly in 1994. The committee had then recommended the shifting of unloading and loading of iron ore away from Curchorem.

Goa8217;s mining industry which flourishes in thickly populated areas of the state has come in for severe criticism from environmentalists and health authorities alike. A report submitted by TERI, an environmental research institute last year, recommended drastic improvements in environment protection by the mine owners. Measures to undo the damages caused by the mining industry in the state is expected to cost the government and industry hundreds of crores of rupees.