PANAJI
Mining dependents on Monday served the Dr Pramod Sawant-led government an ultimatum saying if no definite decision on mining resumption is taken by March 15, all mining trucks, machinery, equipment and workforce will head to the official Altinho bungalow of the Chief Minister the next day.
Goa Mining People's Front (GMFP) President Puti Gaonkar who led hundreds of mining dependents on a peaceful march through the streets of the capital city starting from the KTC bus stand, said even barges will be parked at the Mandovi river.
Some 6,000 trucks, 100 heavy machinery vehicles and approximately 8,000 workers directly dependent on the industry will be involved, Gaonkar claimed.
The peaceful protest on Monday was held to mark the third anniversary of the Supreme Court of India judgement which held illegal and quashed 88 mining leases bringing the industry to grinding halt in mid-March 2018.
Gaonkar said March 16 is selected for the protest as it was on that day three years ago that mining activity was halted.
Addressing the rally Gaonkar said “We strongly condemns the acts and intentions of Goa Foundation which has lead to destruction of over three lakh livelihoods and severe economic collapse in the State”.
He said while the Goa mining case hearing for review petitions in the Supreme Court are continuously getting postponed, we were hopeful that in the reform package for AtmaNirbhar Bharat for mining sector the Centre would consider amendment to the Goa Daman and Diu concession Abolition Act.
“Despite our continuous representations, uninterrupted pleas, and a list of assuring words from the Centre and State government, the same we understand was not a part of it. One fifth of Goa’s population is dependent on mining. We are highly worried by the inaction of government. Immediate resumption of mining activities in Goa is crucial as Goans stare at a bleak future spurred by financial uncertainties”, Gaonkar said.
Balaji Gauns of Dharbandora Truck Owners Association said, “It is startling and hard to believe that despite the same party ruling at the State and Centre, mining reforms in Goa Daman Diu Abolition Act wasn’t considered.
If the government can decide in the favour of coal mines auctions to generate jobs in the country, then why there is blatant ignorance in the case of Goa, Gauns questioned.
Over the past three years, mining dependents have met and submitted various appeals/representations/memorandums seeking intervention and action from authorities at the State and Centre including President, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Union Mines Minister, Union Law Minister, CM of Goa, various MPs to take note of the plight of the people of Goa.
During the last election campaign Prime Minister Narendra Modi had acknowledged the severe impacts due to stoppage of mining and had assured the required intervention for immediate resumption of mining.
