MULGAO (BICHOLIM), Jan. 25 -- When environment clearances are given, is the "environment" ever asked? And is the environment only about trees, hills and lakes or people? If people are our environment then how are environmental clearances given with the futures of people, on the line? These are simply common sense questions that should continuously prick the bubble of this 'smooth people-backed mining restart' narrative that is being offered.

Located between Bicholim and Assonora, Mulgao shares its borders with Mayem and Shirgao villages. All three villages are going through issues that are originating from mining operations. In Mulgao, Vedanta aims to start mining in an area of over 167 hectares. They have succeeded in getting an Environ...