Nine spots in mining belt to have air quality devices

Panaji: With mining activities set to fully resume in Goa, state govt will install automatic real-time ambient air quality monitoring instruments at nine locations in the mining belt to monitor air quality. The nine identified locations are Assonora, Bicholim, Mayem, Sanquelim, Honda junction, Amona Circle, Fanaswadi junction, Velguem, and Pale junction.
The Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB) proposed a project for these instruments at these nine locations with CDAC technology-based real-time monitoring instruments costing Rs 1.1 crore, including 3-year maintenance, to the North Goa district mineral foundation (DMF).
State govt specified which areas are directly and indirectly affected by mining in Goa. Govt stated that an area directly affected by mining lies within a radius from a mine or a cluster of mines, as may be specified by govt, but shall not extend beyond 15km from the boundary of the mines of minerals, other than minor minerals.
State govt auctioned nine mineral blocks, of which only two were able to start operations despite facing opposition from locals.
The state hopes to start the operation of three more mineral blocks by March. State govt is also in the process of auctioning more mineral blocks in the state.
The DMF meeting also discussed conducting short term skill development courses for youth, women, and men of mining-affected areas to uplift them and make them capable enough to earn their livelihood through self-employment or employment.
The DMF has already sanctioned some skill development courses to the Goa state biodiversity board (GSBB) (multiprocessing centre), directorate of technical education (drone/coding), and Infotech Corporation of Goa Limited (IT skills upgradation).