In 2012, after the M B Shah Supreme Court ordered investigations into illegal mining activities that caused massive loss of Rs. 34,000 cr to the government, it was the duty of the government to abide by SC directives to bring about a prudent resolution to mining in Goa. Much time has elapsed since then. The government should have worked hard to address the concerns of the SC. Had the then government acted to curb illegalities in accordance with SC directives such a situation would not have arisen in which mining dependent stakeholders would be venting their ire due to their livelihood being affected. It has come to light that 16,000 trucks are involved in mining activities in the state employing 36,000 drivers and cleaners as well as 230 barges employing 4,000 dependents. 20,000 more are directly or indirectly working in ancillary mining activities and a total of 200,000 dependents rely on the industry to sustain their living. Formation of the Mining Corporation with representation from all stakeholders is necessary to control mining in Goa. Auctioning is also alternative to guaranteeing that the actual value of iron ore is accrued to the exchequer. Also the unutilized money lying in the Permanent Fund could be used for the time being to provide succor to the mining dependents. A total of almost 600 crores are available to the government to distribute amongst the mining dependents for their subsistence until Supreme Court directives are implemented in letter and spirit. Having led to the present state of affairs, it now should be the duty of the government to work overtime to address both the concerns of illegal mining as well as to minimize the sufferings of the mining dependent people of Goa.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
