Goemkapronn desk
Bicholim: Truck Owner Association of Sesa Mining, the body representing the interests of truckers engaged in ferrying iron ore in the region, has expressed deep concerns over the non-issuance of permits by the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) for the use of village roads.
Owing to this there have been significant disruptions to ore transport operations, impacting the livelihoods of truck owners who have invested heavily in repairs and maintenance of trucks, anticipating long-term operations following the resumption of mining.
In response to the non-receipt of permits, the association has announced the use of an alternative route that avoids the use of village roads for other transportation. Under this, trucks from Bicholim Block 1 will utilize an approximately 7-kilometre road stretch to reach the Sarmanas Jetty, with only 0.9 kilometres designated as MDR-20. Leading to ore-carrying trucks crossing the Maem-Bicholim road at only one point, covering a distance of 10-15 meters only. This new route has been adopted to minimize disruptions to local communities and optimize transport efficiency.
Mr. Subhash Kinalkar, President, of the Truck Owner Association of Sesa Mining, said: “The non-receipt of permits from DMG is severely impacting the livelihoods of truck owners and workers. Mining has just recently resumed in Goa after a long ban, and truckers have already invested a significant amount of money in repairing and maintaining these trucks. This issue will undoubtedly impact their livelihoods and the survival of their families, as well as the families of those involved.”
The Association urges all stakeholders, including the government, legal authorities, and environmental agencies, to work collaboratively to address these challenges and ensure smooth ore transportation operations.
