UK MP brings up Goa mining issue in House of Commons

A Labour MP has moved an 'early day motion' in the House of Commons seeking a debate on the damage caused to the environment by mining in Goa and calling upon the British government to urge India to address the issue as a matter of urgency.

The motion, moved by John McDonnell (MP from Hayes and Harlington), has so far been supported by eight other MPs, including Labour MP from Ealing Southall, Virendra Sharma.

Few early day motions are discussed in the House of Commons.

The motion calls on the UK government "to urge Indian government and Goan state government to address as a matter of urgency an agenda to save the environment of Goa by capping the present pace of mining, halting the disposal of the mining rejects, stopping the construction of the mining bypass, closing the 19 mines around the Selaulim Dam and phasing out mining, starting with the immediate closure of all illegal mines and the instigation of an active programme to encourage green and sustainable industries in Goa."

The motion sought applause from the House of Commons for two organisations working in this area, Goa Foundation and Save Goa Campaign, for highlighting the "immense damage caused to the environment in Goa by numerous, extensive and large-scale mining operations."