VASCO
A group of excavator owners from the State on Saturday raised serious concerns over illegal transportation of mud from Verna IDC, claiming that operators from neighbouring states have entered the business and have affected their business.
Addressing a press conference at the Verna IDC, they stated that many local operators who recently invested in new machines are struggling to pay their bank instalments due to a sharp decline in work opportunities.
They claimed that outside operators not only dominate the business but also engage in illegal practices, including excavation, transportation, and sale of mud without paying royalties to the government or the Verna IDC. Their unethical methods have distorted market rates, as they overstock materials and later sell them below market prices, further harming local businesses.
The excavator owners have urged Goan companies to prioritise local operators, insisting that only if locals fail to meet standards should companies consider outsourcing work to operators from other states.
They claimed that despite repeatedly flagging these illegal activities to the Verna IDC and meeting with officials from the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), their concerns remain unaddressed.
They have now demanded immediate government intervention to protect local businesses and enforce strict action against illegal operators.
