Mining talukas record low pollution levels - Herald

Mining talukas record low pollution levels April 11, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: The mining ban has come as a blessing for people living in mining belts as government records indicate that pollution levels along the mining talukas have shown a drastic decline. According to the data tabled in the House by Minister for Environment Alina Saldanha, since September 2012, the pollution level has been much below the permissible limit, which was beyond permissible limit from 2011 till September 2012. PM2.5 (particulate granules of the size 2.5 micrometre or less) was between 15-40 micrograms per cubic metre, when the permissible limit is 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The PM10 (particulate granules of the size 10 micrometre or less) were in the range of 77-80 micrograms per cubic meter of air, while the permissible limit is 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The PM10 was above 100 in 2011 and above 200 in 2012. The measurement of PM 2.5 was above 70 during this period. The Goa State Pollution Control Board is monitoring ambient air quality at nine locations within the mining areas ~ Curchorem, Honda, Codli, Assonora, Bicholim, Amona, Usgao, Sanguem and Tilamol. The monitoring stations record the ambient air quality as per the latest notification of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Parameters recorded include PM10 (particulate matter of 10 microns diameter) and PM2.5. These are very fine particles that enter the lungs and cause respiratory problems. The situation in all nine stations was similar from September 2012 till February 2013. The Board has no records of Sanguem, Codli and Tilamol after June 2012. The minister in her reply said that GSPCB had received a number of complaints during last three years regarding air pollution. But since September 2012, there has been decline in pollution level. The State government in September had suspended mining operations and its related activities following tabling of Justice M B Shah Commission report in the Parliament. The Supreme Court, in October, suspended all mining operations in response to a petition filed by Goa Foundation. The matter is currently before the apex court. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Mining-talukas-record-low-pollution-levels/73090.html Goa has two billion tonnes of iron ore reserves: Parrikar April 11, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Goa-has-two-billion-tonnes-of-iron-ore-reserves-Parrikar/73089.html Govt will act against illegal mining: Mehra April 11, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Govt-will-act-against-illegal-mining-Mehra/73076.html If needed, govt to pay mining-hit farmers April 11, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/If-needed-govt-to-pay-mining-hit-farmers/73088.html Renewal of mining leases is a scam, says Reginaldo April 10, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Renewal-of-mining-leases-is-a-scam-says-Reginaldo/73036.html Goa haven for illegal mining: Mauvin April 10, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Goa-haven-for-illegal-mining-Mauvin/73042.html 2 held for ore transportation April 11, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/2-held-for-ore-transportation/73072.html Goa has two billion tonnes of iron ore reserves: Parrikar April 11, 2013 http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Goa-has-two-billion-tonnes-of-iron-ore-reserves-Parrikar/73089.html