The Goan: What is thereaction of the Mining Association of Goa to the Shah Commission’s report?
Harish Melvani:Shah Commission never heard our side of the story. We were never given theopportunity during the course of investigation to place our side of the story.
TG: Shah Commissionhas named a few Mining Association of Goa members in illegal mining. What'sMAG’s reaction?
HM: If thecommission has named our members then why were these members not given anopportunity to clarify? Will the investigation stand the test of judicialscrutiny? Crores of rupees have been wasted in the Shah Commission investigation.It is a total waste of public money. Even the minister of MoEF was on recordsaying that mine owners have not been given a chance for clarification.
TG: Do you thinknaming of MAG members in illegal mining has tarnished the image of mining inGoa?
HM: Absolutely.It should have been done by following the natural course of justice.
TG: How are theseindividual MAG members planning to tackle this?
HM: We are nowtaking appropriate legal advice and we shall come out with a response at anappropriate time.
TG: Shah Commissionsaid that the buffer zone of 10 kms has to be implemented. Do you see the ironore industry shutting down after that?
HM: It is therecommendation of the Supreme Court. If we implement it in our State there willbe total chaos. Goa will have to work out our own buffer zone based on our ownparameters and the State government is doing it.
TG: What policy doesthe MAG put forth for dump mining in the State?
HM: I think weshould follow scientific way of mining particularly to handle the dumps whichare causing problem all around. Dumps are like poison, generated over years andit is a threat to our environment. If it is properly handled with moderntechnology which is available now, then we can earn valuable material from thedumps in environment friendly manner.
TG: What has been thedrop in trade since mines have closed down?
HM: It is 100percent
TG: What do youforesee per day loss to the industry?
HM: Total loss
TG: MoEF hassuspended environment clearance to all mines in Goa. What next? Do you thinkthe industry is on the verge of closure?
HM: Will have tosee, if it is so.
TG: What is the wayout of this deadlock?
HM: Center andState have to come together keeping in view of the recommendations made in Shahreport and work out an equitable solution for all the stake holders. I willpray to the lord Ganesh to grant our leaders wisdom to solve this problem.
