the goan I network
VALPOI/BICHOLIM
Seeking clarity from the government regarding resumption of mining activity, members of different municipal councils and panchayats in Bicholim and Sattari talukas on Friday said mere assurances to people would not allay their concerns but could aggravate the situation.
Raising these apprehensions and demands at a news conference in Sakhali, they, however, appreciated Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s efforts to write to the central government seeking changes in the mining act and an early solution, despite his health issues.
“The government should complete its process and resume mining activity at the earliest. Over 70 per cent mining dependents have lost their jobs and more workers would be out of employment in the near future,” said Sakhali Municipal Council (SMC) Chairperson Dharmesh Saglani.
“Most accounts of mining dependent are into NPA and they don’t gets loans from banks. We have only got assurances from ministers that mining would start in coming months. Hence, we want the government to give us clarity and a clear picture in the matter, besides letting us know the exact date when mining will resume. If not, the government needs to tell us alternative plan it has for mining dependent people,” Saglani added.
He stated that the government should regularly take local leaders into confidence regarding concrete steps to resume mining activity. “The government should keep us informed so that the affected people are aware about its course of action. We also need to know what action will the government take if mining doesn’t resume,” said the SMC chairman.
Informing that leaders of mining dependent would take their representations to the central government, Saglani requested all three MPs and 40 MLAs to take up the matter with the central government for an immediate solution.
Bicholim Municipal Council Chairperson Rajaram Gaonkar said the market in the state had been severely affected even during Ganesh Chaturthi on account of the mining ban. “The mining ban and loss of jobs have also adversely impact education of children, healthcare of people and financial position of families,” he said.
Pali Sarpanch Mahesh Gawas expressed concern over the plight of the mining affected people. “Mining dependent families have been deprived of basic necessities due to unemployment. People had availed of loans and they are now in financial crisis. Banks are unwilling to give them loans and all these families are in deep trouble,” said Gawas.
