MAPUSA
Aldona MLA and former Advocate General, Carlos Ferreira said that even if the government starts the process of auctioning the mining leases in next three to four months, mining activity will not start in the State for next two years but the government or its agency can conduct mining on its own without the auction process.
Sanvordem MLA, Ganesh Gaonkar also expected mining not to start for next two years.
According to the Aldona MLA, mining can restart immediately only if the government through its corporations or special purpose vehicle can take up mining activity on its own.
“Section 17 A of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 clearly states that you can mark out an area which will be reserved for the State government. Then you can take up the work and conduct mining yourself. You don’t require to go for an auction,” Ferreira observed.
“If you are going for an auction at least for two years mining will not start. But if you are taking it on your own, then you can start mining activity immediately and give relief to people,” he added.
Sanvordem MLA, Ganesh Goankar said Vedanta while retrenching the workers has blamed the government for its action.
“The company has directly alleged that since the government failed to auction the mines we were forced to retrench the workers. The Supreme Court has stopped mining in 88 leases. But no one is stopping the government to re-start mining on leases where there is no restriction by the court. Government should start mining on such leases,” Gaonkar said.
He further said that even if the mines were auctioned within the next six months, resumption of mining activity in the State will take another two years.
