the goan I network
PONDA
Defying Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's warning of de-registering trucks obstructing ore transportation, the Dharbandora Taluka Truck Association (DTTA) has insisted on higher rates and reiterated its decision to agitate for their demands.
In a related development, mining companies are in the process of starting transportation with police protection.
"We have not agreed to the government's rate and it should reconsider the decision. Either the government should give us Rs 14 per tonne per kilometer along with market rate of diesel or an overall rate of Rs 12.5 per tonne per kilometre (PTPK) along with a flat diesel rate of Rs 52," said DTTA president Balaji Gawas.
"The DTTA will stop the transportation if our demands are not met," threatened Gawas.
On October 25, Dharbandora Deputy Collector Agnelo Fernandes had convened a meeting of mining company officials and truckers on the transportation issue, which had remained inconclusive.
On Thursday, the meeting of these shareholders also remained inconclusive over the rate, but mining companies are in the process of starting transportation with police protection.
"As the chief minister has decided about the rate, we have to abide by it. If truckers have any objection, they should raise it with the government. I want to maintain law and order and hence, protection will be given to mining companies once they get a letter from collector," Fernandes told The Goan.
He informed that a mining company wanted to start transportation from Thursday, but operations were delayed as they could not produce a letter from the Collector.
"They have already sought permission from the Collector. Once they produce the letter, protection will be given," Fernandes added.
The DTTA has rejected the PTPK rate fixed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, which consisted of Rs 12.5 for below 10 kms, Rs 12 for 11-19 kms, Rs 11.5 for above 20 kms, besides the current rate of diesel.
"We had insisted on a PTPK rate of Rs 14 along with diesel rate Rs 52. However, we are now ready to compromise on the diesel rate, which can be fixed as per the market rate," said Gawas.
Mining dependents decry GF's demand, stage dharna at Pale
PONDA: The mining dependents from various areas on Thursday staged a dharna near Bombay Road at Pale from 10 am to 5 pm, to condemn the Goa Foundation's demand of a reduction in interim cap on mining in the State from 20 to 12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
It may be recalled that the application filed by Goa Foundation has sought reduction of the interim cap on mining, alleging that it has been fixed without taking into account the adverse impact on citizens and environment of the state.
The Goa Foundation's petition irked the mining dependents and truck owners, machinery owners, hotel owners and workers of tyre puncture repair garages from the mining belt staged a dharna to condemn the Goa Foundation.
President of All Goa Machinery Owners Association Sandeep Parab, President of North Goa Truck Owners Association Suresh Desai and President of Goa Truck Owners Association for Goa Mining Vitthal Gawas were also present along with their members.
Parab on Thursday said they had staged the dharna to condemn the actions of Goa Foundation. "The Goa Foundation should give us an option to earn a livelihood," said Parab.
