Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji (EP)

Panaji, Dec 21: Three mining companies will have to deposit Rs 65 lacs each in the High court of Bombay at Goa before January 27, 2020 for removal of silt from an agricultural land.

The directions are issued by the high court in a petition filed by the mining affected villagers of Shiragao, Bicholim. The district mineral foundation has been directed by the court to earmark Rs two crore towards the removal of silt.

The statement by division bench comprising Justice Mahesh Sonak and Justice M S Jawalkar stated that there is silt in field and it is imperative that this silt is removed at the earliest for agricultural activities. The court stated that interim orders can be made to return the amount to the mining companies is it is found that the mining companies are not responsible for this silt or are not responsible under the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

The court stated that the desiltation of the field will be undertaken by the water resources department within ten days.