The title of the book, Geology and Environment of Goa, Issues and Concerns, written by Ashoka G Dessai and published by Qurate Books, immediately grabs attention.
The title sounds technical, and so it is, but given the high levels of interest in mining and environment in Goa, the book is of relevance in the State, as it brings together details of the mining sector in Goa that are otherwise widespread and difficult to source.
Here you have it all in one book of 286 pages that is, to students of geology and to geologists, a resource and guide, but also to the lay interested, a ready reckoner.
In the preface, Dessai writes, ‘The book discusses the characteristics of mineral deposits and gauges the impact of relentless exploitation of minerals through rapid industrialisation for over six decades on the physical environment of Goa.’ And, he does just that.
The book consists of detailed chapters on the iron ore deposits, manganese ore deposits, ferricretes and laterites, chromites, and a long enlightening chapter on the impact on environment.
Following a short introduction, Dessai in the next chapter, discusses the geological framework. What follows are detailed chapters on the iron ore deposits, manganese ore deposits, ferricretes and laterites, chromites, and a long enlightening chapter on the impact on environment.
To the lay reader, like me, what would be of interest is the effect of mining on the environment.
Dessai discusses this in 70 pages, and it is clear from the book that the impact of iron ore mining on the state has been tremendous, compared to mining of other ores.
In separate subheadings, he details the pollution from solid waste, impact on coastal wetlands, assesses groundwater quality, pollution of the atmosphere, writes on environmental protection, other industrial minerals, fossil marine shell exploitation, use of laterite in construction, concerns of rising sea level.
Dessai, in the chapter on iron ore, writes, ‘The total quantum of iron ore exported from the State between 1948-2012 is over 450Mt, generating a waste consisting of overburden, low-grade ores and tailings between 800 and 1000Mt over a span of five decades.’
The book discusses the characteristics of mineral deposits and gauges the impact of relentless exploitation of minerals through rapid industrialisation for over six decades on the physical environment of Goa.
‘For a small state, this colossal overburden has impacted the biodiversity, agricultural lands, water bodies among others in various ways including dust and emissions which is a matter of environmental concern that has impacted the flora, fauna, health of the mine workers and the local populace,’ he continues.
In contrast, the effect from other minerals has been less, and Dessai writes, ‘The impact on the environment due to anthropogenic manganese contributions to the atmosphere is small, only about 10-12% of natural contributions, and those to waters are even smaller.’
The writer doesn’t merely point out the concerns, but also proposes various remedial measures.
For instance, he advocates a policy for sand extraction and suggests: ‘The extraction of sand may be permitted first from river sections which experience aggradation. The convex portions (inner side) of river bends, particularly upstream of estuarine sections, could be potential locales.’
For a small state, this colossal overburden has impacted the biodiversity, agricultural lands, water bodies among others in various ways.
‘However, the stabilized portions of gravel and sandbars (invariably vegetated) from palaeo-channel sections may be strictly avoided. Similarly, downstream portions of sand bars at river bends could also be potential sites for extraction…’ he mentions.
Specialising in petrology and ore geology, Dessai has taught at Savitribai Phule Pune University and at Goa University, besides conducting research in India and abroad.
He has authored three other books, including two on Goa, titled Environment, Resources and Sustainable Tourism: Goa as a Case Study and the other, Geology and Mineral Resources of Goa.