Locals block mining trucks in Khotode.

Times of India; Rajendra P Kerkar; Tuesday, April 12, 2011,

KERI: The agitation against mining trucks picked up momentum in Khotode village in Sattari taluka. On Monday, Khotode locals blocked mining trucks going to a mine at Gavane, allegingthat the mine bearing T C No. 31/55 was functioning without the necessary permission. Officials from the directorate of mines and Valpoi police later intervened.

Sarpanch of Khotode village panchayat Rajesh Gaonkar said, "The mine, causing environmental degradation, is functioning illegally and is responsible for depleting the ground water resources of the village."

Valpoi police officials later reached the site and allowed about 70 trucks to proceed. Stating that the directorate of mines' officials said the mine is "legal", police inspector Shivram Vaigankar said, "Hence we allowed the trucks carrying iron ore to go."

Directorate of mines official Deepak Mayekar told the villagers that necessary action would be taken only after the necessary investigation.

Not giving up, later in the evening, the Khotode locals along with activists from Valpoi submitted a memorandum to Bicholim deputy collector Narayan Gad urging him to investigate into the matter and lodged a complaint at the Valpoi police station.

Information obtained under the RTI Act by deputy conservator of forests G T Kumar on February 4 said, "The forest clearance for the mining lease bearing T C No. 31/55 has been rejected by the ministry of environment and forests." Advocate Shivaji Desai concluded, "We will file a PIL in the high court over this matter."