the goan I network
PONDA
The Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) will hold nine meetings across the State from May 23 to June 1, as part of its agitation to demand the resumption of mining activities.
Accusing the government of failing to resolve the issue at a news conference on Tuesday, trade union leader Puti Gaonkar, who heads the GMPF, said the State government even failed to file writ petition in the case.
The GMPF has been revived after six years with 50 members from the mining dependent community, which includes machinery owners, truck owners, barge owners and others.
“This government has failed to file a writ petition in the mining suspension matter. Ninety days have passed since the order of Supreme Court and around 1.50 lakh people are dependent on mining activities. But this government has done nothing for resumption of mining activity,” Gaonkar said.
“Mining in the State has been suspended since March 15 and hence, mining dependents have started an agitation to seek justice.
He informed that meetings would be convened at Pali Panchayat Hall (May 23, 10.30 am), Sundaram Hall- Honda (May 24, 4 pm), Kalsai Temple at Dharbandora (May 25, 10 am), Municipal Hall at Bicholim (May 26, 10.30 am), Near Panchayat at Rivona (May 27, 10.30 am), Ganje (May 28, 4 pm), Navelim-Amona (May 29, 10.30 am), Tisk- Sanvordem (May 30, 10.30 am) and Gomantak Vidyalay Hall at Usgao (June 1, 4 pm).
Gaonkar said they would invite Members of Parliament representing Goa to the meetings they plan to convene.
According to Gaonkar when the MMDR Act was passed in 1987, the concession year was put as 1957.
If this is replaced with the year 1987, then mining could continue till 2037.
Gaonkar said the purpose of reviving the GMPF was to bring all stake holders together to be united and make their voices heard
for the immediate resumption of mining operations in Goa.
“In addition to filing a review petition in the Supreme Court, the government needs to work on an alternate solution like promulgation of ordinance for immediately starting the mining operation in the leases that were renewed and operating before March 15,” he said.
All Goa Truck Owners Association (AGTOA) Nilkant Gawas, President of Dharbandora Taluka Truck Owners Association Balaji alias Vinayak Gawas, President of All Goa Machinery Owners Association Sandip Parab, Sanvordem Sarpanch Sandip Pauskar and other leaders were present on the occasion.
