TheGoan: What is thehistory of tracking devices?
PrasannaAcharya: Tracking devices help in finding the location,route and whether the vessel has taken a halt and if so for how long.
TG: Where wouldthey be placed?
PA: The AIS and VTS devices shall be placed in therespective vessels. But the receiver shall be placed in the Mines office. Otherline departments like Captain of Ports, MPT as well as Marine Police, Coast Guardand Navy can use the data by installing the receivers.
TG: What was theflaw in the system when tracking devices were not in use?
PA: It was not possible to know which vessel wasloaded on which ship. Whether the vessel has halted in between and offloadedsome cargo.
TG: How were thepeople making use / misuse of it?
PA: This is the first time such a system is attemptedto be put in use. Some people use to steal the ore in transit, some use to mixlow grade ore and remove the high grade ore. Some use to divert the cargo fromone ship to another.
TG: Where else inIndia is this system being used?
PA: Nowhere, to our knowledge.
TG: What wouldbe the repercussions? What’s the future of this exercise?
PA: Now we shall be able to trace each and every tonneof ore exported from Goa.
TG: How manyhave implemented the mine management system?
PA: Companies like Fomento have extended fullcooperation in this exercise. Other major stake holders have also supported theregulatory measure including the members of the Goa Barge Owners Association(GBOA). The leaseholders had reservation on registration without the GBOA.
TG: What are thefeatures of the system?
PA: The foreign ships will be graphically visible. Thebarge movement, loading, the history of the vessel and the halts, if taken,shall be visible.
TG: Who wouldhave the control? The mining companies or the government?
PA: The control will be with the Mines Department butat the same time every stake holder would be able to view their vessels withoutany scope to alter the date.
TG: How manycompanies have shown interest in accepting it?
PA: All stake holders have accepted theregulations.
TG: The cost ofthe equipment and implementation expenses and maintenance expenses?
PA: The cost will be up to Rs 60,000 and maintenancevery minimal.
TG: Would thiswhole exercise check the illegalities?
PA: This will give us full data of the movement of oreto be exported.
TG: Disadvantagesor the loopholes in this system, if any.
PA: Nothing so far detected.
