Bicholim: Mayem gram sabha, led by sarpanch Vinita Pole, passed four resolutions to hold mining companies accountable for alleged environmental damage and villagers’ losses.The resolutions aim to strengthen conditions for issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) to mining firms and other establishments, reflecting demands raised by residents over recent months.Under the first resolution, the panchayat will seek to cancel all NOCs issued to mining companies and other establishments before completing required govt-level formalities.The second resolution calls for appointing an expert to verify whether mining companies have complied with panchayat-imposed conditions. If violations are found, the panchayat will revoke NOCs.The third resolution states that the panchayat will not issue future NOCs to mining companies unless they restore damaged agricultural fields, rivulets, water bodies, rivers, and other environmentally sensitive areas.The fourth directs the panchayat to communicate the decisions to the block development officer, directorate of panchayats, mamlatdar, deputy collector, mines and geology department and chief minister.The resolutions also bar fresh NOCs until villagers are compensated for past losses and seek revocation of existing NOCs and licences. The gram sabha resolved that the decisions would remain in force even after completion of govt-level formalities. All 11 members attended the gram sabha.
