PANJIM: The mining community of Goa – mining workers, people employed in the logistics industry, barges, ports on Wednesday have appealed to the Supreme Court to treat the Goa mining issue as imperative and provide interim relief in the matter in the upcoming hearing on 16th July on Goa Mining Issue. Goans have also urged for immediate resumption of mining activities in the state in the interest of revival of state economy and protecting livelihoods of mining dependents.
All mining activities in the state was suddenly ceased on March 15, 2018 following the Supreme Court’s decision affecting 3,00,000 lives in the state.
The unprecedented Covid pandemic has further intensified the wounds of Goans as tourism sector, Goa’s biggest revenue and employment generation has also come to a standstill and is unlikely to revive the near future. The downturn of tourism sector has further aggravated the crippling economy of the State which was already suffering from more than 2 years of mining stoppage. With state debts standing at an all-time high of Rs. 20000 Crores, the burden on the future generations of Goa is already steadily increasing.
Rajaram Arjun Gaonkar, Chairperson, Bicholim Municipal Corporation said, “We appeal to the Hon’ble Apex court to provide early relief for the resumption of mining in Goa during upcoming hearing. While mining stoppage had given a severe blow to the State’s economy the Covid-19 pandemic may serve as a death blow to the State’s economy. People in the State of Goa are pleading for sources of livelihood as since the mining industry inherently relies of labour and equipment’s from within the State its best placed to serve the Goa and provide much needed source of revenue and employment to the State.
Rajaram Arjun Gaonkar further added, “We were hopeful that the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India would provide relief to the more than 3,00,000 Goans during the previous hearing which was scheduled in the month of April 2020, but the same came to be postponed on account of Covid -19. The Nationwide job loss due to Covid – 19 affect has cuased great amount of worry and stress to many of our fellow Indian brother and sisters but we have been living through the plight of job loss and hopelessness for the last 2 years as such all our hopes lie with the Honourable Supreme Court and we are sure that the court will provide much needed relief to the people of State.”
Balaji Gauns, Dharbandora Taluka Truck Owner’s Association said, “Trucks and other machinery worth crores of rupees has been idling away for more than 2 years. These were the only source of livelihood for us and helped us support our families. Without mining activities some of our assets have already been repossessed by the banks. And if the Hon’ble supreme court doesn’t provide urgent relief than a common man like me won’t have anything to live for”.
Over the past few months after the breakdown of Covid19, Government of Goa have been urging centre to recommence mining on immediate basis.
In a meeting held on 22nd April 2020 with Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister and Parimal Rai, IAS, Chief Secretary at Raj Bhavan, Satya Pal Malik Governor of Goa took a stock of the economy of the State during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Subsequently, on 28th April, 2020, Governor in his letter to Amit Shah, Union Home Minister requested HM intervention for favourable action in the interest of the state. Hon’ble governor also recommended the state government to fast track the proposal before the Centre for resumption of mining leases by way of legislative cure.
In April 2020, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an amendment to the Goa Daman and Diu (Abolition of Concession and Declaration as Mining Leases) Act, 1987 law that will allow mining operations in the state to continue till 2037.
Till date, no decision has been taken and Goans are demanding recommence mining in the state with immediate effect.