VALPOI
Mining-dependents are buoyed by the expected visit of an all-party delegation to the Centre to impress upon leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to issue an ordinance to allow mining operations after March 15.
Speaking to the Goan, Pissurlem Sarpanch Jayshree Parab welcomed the move by the State government to take an all-party delegation to Delhi. “If mining comes to a standstill, the State’S economy will take a hit. The central Mines minister should seriously look into this matter in order to clear the fear among the people of Goa and allow mining to continue,” she said.
“Pissurlem panchayat jurisdiction is surrounded by mining operations and more than 90% people are fully dependent on the activity. We have also requested our MLA Pratapsing Rane, who is a senior leader in the Congress party, to work to find an amicable solution,” she added.
A truck owner Mangaldas Naik from Navelim also welcomed the decision and said priority for Goan politicians was to maintain economy of the State and for that strong efforts need to be made to keep mining going.
Over the last four years mining is facing numerous problems after conditions laid down by the court and the Centre. Many truck owners have spent money to get their trucks in operation after three years. Some of them have taken bank loans. They now fear if mining stops after March 15 it would become difficult to repay the loans. Also, workers employed in mining firms stand to lose their jobs.
