The agitation by mining dependents may not have achieved anything in terms of getting relief, but it has exposed the government for failing to find a balance between the Supreme Court order and the pulse of the mining dependents. The question that arises is: Could this agitation be averted? Monday saw agitating mining dependents in full flow, blocking the national highway in Panaji for hours before being lathi-charged by the men in uniform. Goa faced the brunt of furious agitators who braved the hot and humid weather to fight for their livelihoods. On display was a clear lack of confidence in the government.
The order to shut down mines in Goa was delivered by the Supreme Court on February 7. A good 37 days have gone by and the government still remained a confused lot, as confused as the mining dependents. Legislators have been aimlessly meandering, with some blaming the ailment of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to have come in the way of administration. It only speaks ill of a government which is not in a position to even decide on the course of action on a crucial issue which impacts the life of over two lakh individuals. That the members of the ruling coalition were running like headless chickens was evident from the fact that it is only at the eleventh hour that a thought of filing a review petition dawned upon the CAC members. The all-party delegation which went to Delhi and the subsequent Central visit by the three MPs proved to be exercises in futility with no Plan B in hand.
Agreed that this is a ruling from the highest court of the country and it has left the State with limited options. But does it stop our MLAs from exploring these options? Nitin Gadkari’s visit on Tuesday in now projected as the next assessment point. He is down in Goa a good five days after the mines have been shut and is expected to give a hearing to the mining crisis. The primary purpose of his visit however is launch of Drishti Marine’s ferry service on Tuesday.
Mining has been going on right from the colonial regime and over the years there has been a bond that developed between the leaseholders and the villagers in these mine areas. The economic and social life of these villagers has been closely connected to the mines. That water was being pumped to the villages for drinking, horticulture and even agriculture is testimony of the fact that it was not always business, but the socio aspect that underlined a connect beyond mining. The water continues to be pumped even after the leases have been vacated and machinery moved.
It is a lack of confidence in the elected representatives that drove the mining dependents to a revolt. It only reflects the angst and feeling of helplessness that brought these people to the roads. Options may be far and few following the Supreme Court order, but government should engage representatives of those affected and collectively discuss the pros and cons of options at hand before charting out the way forward.
