Stop illegal mining in Goa

For too long, "we the people" residing in non-mining areas have remained silent. We are certainly not sick in our minds, to remain "indifferent" to the sick, illegal mining that is going on in many parts of Goa. It is high time we take responsibility for our actions and tell the government in one loud and clear voice... "Stop your Nonsense; Stop illegal Mining Today". 150 odd residents of Cavrem have done just that; and the Government listened to them (atleast for the time being). If they could do it, we can do it too. And if we don't do it now, what appears to be a serious problem in a few parts of Goa, will soon destroy the whole of Goa... some day in the near future. 

It is important to realize, that the various Talukas in Goa are not "independent islands" on two different planets. They are interconnected. If we allow one part of Goa to be destroyed by indiscriminate mining, the nature will destroy the other parts of Goa; and will destroy it ruthlessly. One of my Facebook friends said it better… "Unjustifiable and indiscriminate mining and associated activities out of utter lust for money , with total disregard for the health of our own brothers and sisters, the precious lives of our own children and the life giving environment with its beautiful flora and fauna, is undoubtedly a heinous crime against humanity as well as nature! To speak the truth - however bitter it may appear to be - it is like raping your own mother… the mother earth!"

Let me make it very clear-- I am not against LEGAL mining. It is a "necessary evil", and it has been there for many years. It has contributed to Goa’s socio-economic growth, and many Goans depend on it for their livelihood. Stopping mining would result in adding to our existing unemployment problem. Besides disturbing the business of our small and big truck owners, barge owners, etc, it will also create serious problems for our aam aadmi.  Hundreds of laborers, drivers and other petty daily wagers are directly and indirectly dependent on mining in Goa.

What I am certainly against is the "illegal mining" in Goa. It has to be stopped or legalized immediately. In a recent development, the Central Environment Ministry made it very clear to the Karnataka Government that no new forest diversion proposals should be entertained till the State took specific and time-bound measures to check illegal mining in Karnataka. It is "shocking" that the same Central Ministry is turning a blind eye to illegal mining in Goa. It has to apply the same rule everywhere. For too long Goa has suffered from the step-motherly treatment given to us by the Centre. We are not going to take any more of it, anymore.

We cannot afford to remain mute spectators to this gross injustice. Illegal mining fueled by utter greed for money has to be stopped immediately.  The problem in mining affected areas is certainly NOT a political issue, and therefore should be tackled urgently as a "human rights' issue, by the social activists and workers of all the political parties. It is also a serious health issue... what is good for a few, cannot be allowed to RUIN the health of the hundreds of people living/traveling in those areas. We cannot allow it to destoy our beautiful Goa.

The issue of "illegal mining and its negative byproducts" should be solved at the earliest; and my support and prayers are with all my Goan brothers and sisters who are affected by it. As somebody had rightly said i--" No one is all bad and no one is totally corrupt; it is just a matter of how much they think they can get away with." For too long we allowed them to get away with it. Our "nonsense attitude" allowed them to continue their atrocities on our motherland. It is time to be firm, and tell them very assertively..."Stop your Nonsense; Stop illegal Mining Today".