PANAJI
Financially busted by the abrupt closure first in 2012 and then again in 2015, Goa’s barge owners are closing ranks and calling for a united approach to navigate the challenge of restarting operations once mining resumes in the State.
The disruption of their finances caused by the over decade-long mining closure has given rise to several challenges for the barge owners in the State, a crucial part of the iron ore transportation vertical of the industry, even as the Association claims their members are eagerly waiting for the industry
to restart.
“We are waiting for it (mining restart),” said Atul Jadhav, President of the Goa Barge Owners Association (GBOA), even as he has made a fervent appeal to members to work unitedly once
the mines start.
“The Association has witnessed a transformational journey over the past 12 years when we had to find ways out of our financial difficulties by diversifying into different businesses even as we remained hopeful that mining would restart,” Jadhav said even as he added that the lack of accurate data on the numbers dependent on the mining industry led to many hurdles and added a layer of complexity.
Jadhav said, many are facing financial difficulties, particularly the smaller players, due to the lack of preparation and clear communication when mining shut suddenly in 2012.
Many in the business were long-term players from the older generation who found it difficult to switch to other sectors and diversify, he adds.
Another barge owner Priyesh Kamat said, several of them weathered the mining closure storm in their businesses and are now eagerly awaiting the impending restart of the sector in Goa.
Meanwhile, the Association said it is committed to support its members as well as advocate the interests of the people dependent on mining.
“The association envisions a future where the lessons learnt will contribute to a more sustainable and resilient mining industry,” Jadhav said.
