In a major victory of the Sonshi villagers, protesting against dust pollution resulting due to iron ore transportation, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has put an end to the mining operations in the village, atleast for now.

In a crucial board meeting held on Friday evening, the Board refused to grant consent to operate to 12 of the 13 mining leases operational in the village, for violation of the air pollution norms as mentioned in the Consent granted to them earlier.

The only lease belonging to V G Quenim, has been allowed to operate- as its consent expires in August.

The Board that carried out air monitoring of the village observed that the mining activities have exceeded the air pollution limit prescribed as per law. It has directed the mining companies to install air ambient quality monitoring station in consultation with the board to monitor air quality at different locations.

The mining firms including Fomento and Vedanta Ltd, have been asked to prepare an action plan to control air pollution in the area and submit the same before Board latest by May 1.

The High Court had last week took suo motu cognizance of the media reports on Sonshi village which is adversely affected due to mining ore transportation and issued notices to the State government, and pollution board.

The 13 lease holders were issued show cause notices seeking their reply as why the consent to operate granted to them be not withdrawn.

The lease holders had approached the Board for renewal of consent to operate of their mines. Total 38 applications were discussed during the meeting.

Team TNV