the goan I network
VASCO
The Mormugao Mining Dependents Forum (MMDF) along with Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida on Saturday thanked all legislators for taking up the right step to begin mining activity in Goa.
The MMDF, a forum comprising 22 associations and a union based in the port town, also thanked Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida for extending his support to the forum at all times.
Speaking to the media, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida said the Centre was also in support of the State government in efforts to resume mining in Goa.
“We are on a proper track right now and mining will start soon. A lot of people are directly and indirectly dependent on mining activity and if mining does not resume, then Vasco will almost become a dead city,” said Almeida.
MMDF Convenor and President of Mormugao Steamer Agents Association, Mannubhai Thakker said it was a great step by legislators of all political parties in the assembly session to seek the resumption of mining activities.
Thakker said the CM would lead a delegation to Delhi on August 7 and if Centre accepts the proposal, mining could resume by October and the industry could be back in business.
“Goa is a different state in terms of history and there is justification for the Centre to pass an ordinance. I also appeal to the NGO, which had approached the court on mining activity, to support the ordinance in the interest of Goa. Mining activity has created a lot of employment and environment issues raised by the NGO are also being addressed with the cap on mining. I hope the NGO does not take another legal recourse this time round,” said Thakker.
“The prices of iron ore are also so low, that this is not about profit generation but only a source of employment to Goans,” Thakker added.
Simon Pereira of the Mormugao Launch Owner’s Association said there were about 500 people affected in the launch sector with the ban.
