PONDA
Vedanta on Wednesday continued to transportation of mining ore without any untoward incident, even as the truckers' community threatened to obstruct the transportation.
All Goa Truck Owners Association (AGTTA) have decided to keep their trucks off the roads, as their demand has not met, while adding that they will not agitate by camping in Usgao.
AGTTA is demanding a revised rate for transporting fresh mined ore, but Vedanta has rejected their demand, stating that it is not affordable for their business when the dollar rate for mining has declined.
Presently, Vedanta is offering Rs 46.61 for diesel and Rs 8.50 per tonne per km. Unhappy with this rate, the truckers have instead demanded Rs 39.60 for diesel and Rs 11.27 per tonne per km.
On Wednesday, AGTTA convened a meeting at Vadakaden-Usgao and decided to keep their trucks off the road till the company invites them for a meeting for discuss their demands.
“Our members will not ply their trucks for transportation of ore till our demand is met. We will not agitate any more on the roads, but we will be not responsible for any untoward incident that occurs during transportation,” Gawas warned.
According to Gawas, the transportation which started on Wednesday involved freshly mined ore, however, the company claimed that it was e-auctioned ore.
“It is evident that the ore transported was fresh, as mud was being spilled on the roads from the trucks. On the other hand, e-auctioned ore is very dry, and it didn't rain last night to justify the company's claim,” Gawas stated.
When asked what will be their action if the company engages trucks other than their association, Gawas replied that in such circumstances also they will not agitate on the roads.
Gawas said plying trucks for a rate of Rs 8.50 is a loss-making business, while pointing out that with this prevailing rates, it will not be feasible to sustain their livelihood.
