New Delhi: Voices for resuming the stalled mining operations in Goa was echoed again today with Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) appealing the Centre for resumption of mining activities by the end of this year.
GMPF represents the cause of lakhs of people gainfully employed in the mining industry in Goa.
GMPF has also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene the meeting of Group of Ministers (GoM) at the earliest so that the mining can resume at the earliest.
GMPF also thanked Goa Government for filing review petition in Supreme Court this month seeking resumption of mining activities in the State.
GMPF also urged Goa government to continue pushing the centre and ensure that a long term solution for sustainable mining in the state is brought about through legislation during the ongoing Winter Session of the Parliament.
Mining is one of the two major sources of livelihood in Goa and the complete shutdown of mining industry has adverse effect on the livelihoods of more than 3, 00,000 people in the state.
The shutdown has caused an estimated loss of more than Rs. 5,000 crore per year to the State exchequer.
GMPF President Puti Gaonkar, said, “We welcome the step by Goa Government of filing the review petition in the Goa mining matter, but it came after 20 months which is a significant delay. We also request the State Government and central government to work towards the required amendment to MMDR Act or Goa Daman & Diu Mining Concession Abolition Act, 1987 which would enable early resumption of mining in the State. We look forward for a positive and immediate decision during the Winter Session.”
