BICHOLIM: Noted environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar has warned that TB, asthma and other lung diseases are the direct consequences that the locals of Bicholim face due to largescale dust pollution.

Areas like Ambeshi, Pali, Navelim, Sonshi and Surla also come under high density pollution zones.

"Since 1999, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has been consistently directing the directorate of health services to keep a check on health related aspects. But, no satisfactory action has been initiated in this regard," Kerkar said.

Dr Valadares of the Bicholim primary health centre said, "We come across sereval patients with respiratory disorders. Most of them hail from mining zone areas."

Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) chairperson Satish Gaonkar said that the council will not tolerate transportation of mining ore through Bicholim city.

Deputy collector Arvind Bugde in reply to a question said that his department has always stood by the people. "We have passed a conditional order for removal of public nuisance under Section 133 (1) B of the Criminal Procedure Code 1973, which prevents mining companies/contractors from transporting iron ore from Bicholim to Vagus-Surla until precautionery measures are adopted," Bugde informed.

The PSI of the Bicholim police station Mohan Gawas said that his department will always assist the people in times of need.