the goan I network
VALPOI
Insisting that the State government should work out ways to continue mining activity after March 15 since over 2 lakh people are directly or indirectly dependent on the sector, the North Goa Truck Owners Association (NGTOA) voiced displeasure with the authorities for their delayed response to the Supreme Court verdict.
In a show of strength to push ahead with their demands, public meetings have been convened for stakeholders and mining
dependents of Bicholim and Sattari talukas on Friday at Mayem at 10.30 am and in Sundaram hall complex Honda at 3.30 pm.
A meeting of NGTOA members to take stock of the mining crisis on account of the apex court’s verdict and to chalk out its course of action took place in Honda on Wednesday.
The members insisted that the State government should put in maximum efforts and work out ways to continue mining operations even after 15 March to resolve the grievances of lakhs of mining dependents.
They also decided to build pressure on state authorities to find alternatives to continue mining operations in the State.
The members also criticised authorities for failing to take quick and urgent steps in this direction since the last one month, when the Supreme Court issued its orders on February 7.
Speaking at the meeting, NGTOA office bearer Mangaldas Naik said the responsibility was on state authorities to continue mining operation in Goa after March 15.
“The government should find ways and means to continue mining activity since more than 2 lakh people are dependent on this industry,” said Naik.
Later speaking to The Goan, NGTOA Secretary Suresh Desai said the two public meetings at Bicholim and Honda on Friday for mining dependents from Bicholim and Sattari talukas would chalk out their future course of action.
Truck owner and Sakhali Councillor Riyaz said awareness would be created on Wednesday and Thursday to draw more people to these two meetings.
