the goan I network
MARGAO
The South Goa Zilla Panchayat on Friday adopted a resolution to request the government to resume mining operations within the legal framework and after unveiling a proper mining policy taking into account the plight of the mining dependents and the stakeholders.
The mining issue figured at the Zilla Panchayat meeting chaired by Chairperson Navnath Naik when Sanvordem ZP member Suvarna Tendulkar requested the members to sign on a petition addressed to the Prime Minister’s Officer to resume mining operations in Goa at the earliest. ZP member Govind Gaonkar, however, placed his objection to Suvarna’s letter, saying that the Zilla Panchayat should take an independent decision and not go by the letter purportedly drafted by the companies. Govind pointed out that the government should resume the mining operations only after coming out with a proper mining policy to rule out any illegalities in the operations. He pointed out that he would not sign the letter, but instead called upon the Chairperson Navnath Naik to send a resolution to the government with a request to resume mining operations with a proper policy.
The Chairperson also pointed out there ought to be no discrimination in the plying of trucks in the mining areas, saying the transportation should be open for all Goan truck owners.
ZP member Govind Desai also raised the issue over the decision taken by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Saxena on the decision taken on the Dudhsagar tour operations, saying it has affected the locals earning a livelihood on the business.
The issue over the three-year delay in the shifting of the Zilla Panchayat office from the present rented premises to the Old Collectorate building was also hotly discussed. When the issue was raised by ZP member Nelly Rodrigues, who pointed out that the ZP is spending Rs 60,000 rent on the existing premises, other ZP members demanded that the next meeting of the district panchayat body be held at the Old Collectorate building.
A resolution tabled by Davorlim ZP member Ulhas Tuemkar was adopted at the meeting, complimenting the Goa Police, including SP, South Arvind Gawas, DySP Raju Raut Desai, PI Navlesh Desai and the police team for cracking the Betalbatim gangrape within hours.
Curtorim ZP member Moreno Rebello raised the issue over the legalising of the popular Goan dhirios, with a plea to the body to send a resolution with a request to examine the issue. ZP member Jaideep Shirodkar tabled a resolution demanding an SIT or CBI inquiry into the affairs of Goa Dairy and come out with a factual situation at the dairy.
