The Bombay High Court at Goa on Monday appointed National Enviornmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to conduct a survey to determine the consequences of mining activities on water resources and agriculture of Shirgao village in Bicholim taluka. While hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by villagers of Shirgao village, a Division Bench of Justices S A Bobde and R C Chavan, elected NEERI to conduct a survey within a period of six month, to examine the depletion of water resources such as wells, springs due to mining activities of three mining companies operating in the area. And also determine the extent of the damage caused. Bandekar Brothers Pvt Ltd, Chowgule Mining Pvt Ltd, and Dempo Mining Corporation Pvt Ltd, are three companies operating in Shirgao, will have to equally bear the cost of survey Rs 25 lakh. Besides, the NEERI has been ordered to recommend measures to undo the damages caused to agriculture and water resources, whereas the State government has been asked to co-ordinate with NEERI , in conducting the survey. With regards to pumping of water from mining pits during rains, the Court has asked the Water Resources department to designate officer, to examine, if the water exceeds danger level. . Amicus Curiae Adv Norma Alvares told the Court that it was necessary to determine the danger level, and who would do the job. Mining companies had been asked to stop pumping of water from the pits during the monsoons as it was suspected that it was what dried the water table. But they were instructed to pump out water in the event it reached dangerous level. They have been further directed to inform the designated officer about levels of water in the pits, and maintain a log book.