Mining industry not fatal: Dr Kakodkar

PTI, PANAJI | 11 February 2014 20:05 IST

Health experts on Tuesday said Goa's iron ore mining industry does not pose risk to life and it is a wrong notion that mining causes fatal health problems.

"The iron ore mining in Goa does not cause fatal occupational health problems," Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH) former chairman Dr Sunil Kakodkar told reporters in Panaji on Tuesday.

There have been proper studies to conclude that iron ore mining does not create lung problems, as is feared by some people, he said.

"This has been proved after conducting proper research among those working in the mines and those living in the surrounding areas," he said, adding that even if iron ore particles are inhaled, the person may not die.

Kakodkar is among the occupational health experts who have gathered in Goa to participate in the International Conclave on Occupational Health, incorporating the 64th National Conference of Indian Association of Occupational Health which went underway in Panaji from today.

Goa has 90-odd mining leases in its seven talukas which are currently non-functional due to ban imposed by the Supreme Court owing to allegations of illegal mining.

There are some unorganised metal mines which might cause occupational health hazards due to presence of silica content in the extracted product, Kakodkar said.

 

"These are largely unorganised entities so there are no studies on them resulting in occupational health hazards," he said.

Goa Chapter of IAOH chairman Dr Navnath Bhatikar said there are wrong notions spread that iron ore mining creates health issues like tuberculosis among those living in the mining belt.

"There is not a single case of lung disease reported due to iron ore mining in the state," he said.

IAOH national president Dr Chaitanya Gulvady said the conference, which would be attended by around 600 Indian and international delegates, will have presentation of 85 research papers on occupational health.

On the theme of the conference, Gulvady said that sustainability requires reconciliation of economy,environment and the society.

"Understanding its importance, an increasing number of organisations are embracing the concept of sustainability, and workplace health and well being are key drivers of sustainability," he added.


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Previous Comments

Villagers Were Going Regularly To The Doctors For Their Respiratory Problems And Doctors Were Saying Due To The Mining Dust. Now Villagers Are Not Going To Doctors For Their Respiratory Problems Due To The Mining Ban. Mining Ban Has Given Relieve To The Villagers From Respiratory Problems.

- Jose Rod, Goa | 14 th February 2014 14:22

 

Villagers Were Going Regularly To The Doctors For Their Respiratory Problems And Doctors Were Saying Due To The Mining Dust. Now Villagers Are Not Going To Doctors For Their Respiratory Problems Due To The Mining Ban. Mining Ban Has Given Relieve To The Villagers From Respiratory Problems.

- Jose Rod, Goa | 13 th February 2014 15:29

 

If mining is so vital for Goa's economy than why waste the Bauxite mine which is at Mopa by bringing in the new airport over it. Resources lost forever.

- A. Pinto, Olaulim | 11 th February 2014 23:27

 

Why doctors even layman in Goa knew that mining was not hazardous until they saw a few of their neighbours became ultra rich. The Goan generation of fiftees and sixties had no problems in lungs as mining was solving their problem of empty stomach. But lately people suffered from heart burn which is incurable disease. Same is the case with Mobile towers. The installlation of tower on neighbour' premises fetches him hefty income. That causes cancer in the mind and people oppose.Jealousy is widely spreading disease in Goa.

- Madhav Bastodker, Ponda | 11 th February 2014 21:05

 

Congress & BJP Must Put In Their Manifesto That They Will Start Mining & Mopa Once They Comes To Power. Let See How Many Goans Will Vote And Let See How Many Goans Are Depended On Mining & Mopa. It Will Be Clear After Election. Let Us Wait For Their Manifesto.

- Jose Rod, Goa | 11 th February 2014 20:24

 

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