A number of residents from Sancorda have voiced objections to the proposed renewal of a mining lease in the locality. At an environmental public hearing, presided over by Additional Collector (South Goa) Prasanna Acharya, in the Sancorda panchayat hall on February 15, many residents pointed out that two wildlife sanctuaries, the famed Tambdi Surla temple and schools were located in the vicinity of the mines. The residents put forth their views after representatives of the mining company delivered a presentation, highlighting the benefits to the people and responsibilities of the mining company. Expressing opposition to the mining activities, former MLA Mohan Amshekar claimed that mine owners and the Government had failed to control dust pollution and added, that there has been large-scale looting of natural resources. "There is a lift irrigation project in the village which provides water to agricultural farms since the last many years. This project is being destroyed due to the mining silt, which has led to depletion of the water table,' said Amshekar. He also stated that two wildlife sanctuaries and forest areas exist in close vicinity to the mines. Gajanand Naik also feared that increase in mining traffic could pose a serious threat to the primary and secondary schools located barely 1 km from the mines. Naik claimed that the water pipeline has been damaged due to the movement of additional mining trucks and observed that operation of additional mines would aggravate the problem. A resident, Vinayak Amshekar, remarked that agricultural activities have been affected due to the mines and complained that locals have not been given employment opportunities. Ramesh Jagdale pointed out that 10,000 residents of Sancorda would be affected by mining activities, while the mining company intends to employ only 128 persons. Claiming that the mining company's report was "false and fabricated', Shankar Jog pointed out that the Directorate of Mines had rejected the application for a mining lease in 2001, which was stated in an affidavit before the High Court. On the other hand, Sancorda Truck Owners Association President Digambar Manerkar supported the activities of the mines, stating that a number of people in the locality had purchased trucks to earn a livelihood. "If mining activities are stopped, the question of repayment of loans will arise and we will be compelled to commit suicide,' Manerkar said. Voicing similar views, another resident, Govind Sawant, claimed that mining activities should be allowed to continue, as it would benefit the village, but emphasized that mine owners should adequately compensate agriculturists and horticulturists affected by the mines. "Mining activities should be allowed so that the socio-economic conditions of the people are improved,' Sawant said.