Ecology and sustainability: Mining vis-à-vis Livelihood Amongst the Tribals of Caurem Village - Goa , India

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Nandkumar Sawant, Ulhas Gaonkar, Deepak Kumbhar

Abstract

Goa though a small state has a spectrum of tribals inhabiting the interior locations along the foothills of western ghats.  These locations  are also  endowed with rich mineral deposits in the talukas of Sanguem, Bicholim, Sattari and Quepem - the core habitat of the tribals. Thus in early decade of this century, Caurem a tribal village in Quepem taluka witnessed a transformation from agricultural base to mining base. However, mining was banned by the Supreme Court of India in the state of Goa in 2012 due to environmental issues. This has brought the tribals at the cross roads.


The main objective of this research is to study in perceptions of local population on impact of mining on livelihood of tribals and their surroundings. The research is primarily based on field survey wherein 65 varied respondents of the village were surveyed for the same. It includes people working in mining, agriculture and other sectors. Further statistical techniques such as ‘T’ test and ‘Anova’ test have been used for the analysis. Age, gender, education and occupation wise perceptions regarding impact of mining on study region are considered undoubtedly majority of the respondent are not in favor of mining.


The analysis reveals that there is no significant difference in their perceptions using education, age, gender and occupations on as parameters to find the impact of mining on livelihood of tribals. Thus, it is proved that the villagers agree that there is negative impact of mining. However, the landuse /Landcover map for the three decades shows significant changes in agricultural patterns and vegetational cover due to mining.

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