Panaji: The high court of Bombay at Goa directed the chief engineer of the public works department (PWD) to visit Sonshi, inspect the ground realities there regarding availability of safe drinking water and thereafter submit a report before it.
The high court also reprimanded the government for under-utilising the District Mineral Foundation Fund (DMFF) meant for the welfare and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining.
“We are at a loss to understand the apathy. Finance is not an impediment, specific funds and scheme are in place, yet it requires orders from this court to provide safe drinking water,” observed the high court.
A division bench comprising justices N M Jamdar and Prithviraj Chavan in its order stated, “Perusal of Section 9 B indicates that the funds are to be used for the interest and benefit of the persons and the areas affected by mining related operations.”
These directions came in connection with the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Goa Foundation regarding the situation at Sonshi which is adversely affected by mining. The petition pleaded for urgent supply of water to the village and rehabilitation of villagers. It also sought implementation of the District Mineral Foundation scheme.
The petitioner informed the court that the total amount available till date in the two district foundations is Rs 140 crore and that not a single rupee has been spent on the welfare of persons and communities in mining affected villages.
The chief secretary has been asked to file an affidavit giving details of the amount available in the District Mineral Foundation Fund and the manner in which it is being spent. The affidavit will have to be filed within three weeks.
The high court also pointed out that the central government has directed the state government to incorporate the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana, which has to be implemented by the District Mineral Foundation Fund.
The District Mineral Foundation scheme mandates that the highest priority be given to drinking water supply, stating that it must contain centralised purification systems, water treatment plants, permanent/temporary water distribution network, including standalone facilities for drinking water.
The court was informed that respondent mining companies have contributed to the fund and substantial amounts was available in the said fund. The high court also directed that the visit by the chief engineer should take place in the company of the secretary, District Legal Services Authority, North Goa.
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