VASCO
The Goan Earthmoving and Construction Equipment Owners Association (GECEOA) on Thursday welcomed the Goa Industrial Development Corporation’s (GIDC) decision to keep excavated mud for use within industrial estates.
The association said this move would help stop illegal activities and protect government revenue.
Speaking to the media, association representative Avinash Bhobe said the order must be properly implemented and not just remain on paper.
“We had raised concerns over contractors illegally excavating and transporting mud for sale without paying royalties. This deprived the department of revenue. The new SOP by GIDC, mandating that mud be retained by estates, is a positive move. We just hope it is fully enforced,” said Bhobe.
He added that some earlier statements by the association had been misunderstood.
“We never intended to take the law into our hands or accused any GIDC officials of corruption. Our demand has always been to give priority to Goan operators in excavation works. We only approached the CM after MLA and GIDC Chairman Alex Reginald spoke to us rudely. But we never maligned him,” Bhobe clarified.
Bhobe also thanked Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant for supporting the formation of the association and for guiding its members on distributing work fairly.
“Many locals affected by the mining ban have seen their trucks and machinery rot. We urge GIDC to promote legal, tax-paying Goan operators instead of favouring outside contractors who often evade government dues,” he said.
He further pointed out that Goan operators offer competitive rates despite paying all government taxes and fees.
“Contractors who avoid royalties and sell excavated soil may work for free, but we cannot compete at the cost of legality. Supporting local, law-abiding operators is key to fair and sustainable development,” Bhobe added.
