In the run-up to the Supreme Court hearing on the Goa mining issue, the state government announced on Wednesday that the resumption of mining will boost the economy of the coastal state that has been hard hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The Goa mining case may be brought before the apex court for a hearing.
“I think that with this economic crisis and Goa being a small state, dependent on mining and tourism, and with both these things not happening, Goa will suffer and people of Goa will suffer.
“So in the prudence of Supreme Court they have to do it logically and decide in the interest of .mining in the state, I hope Supreme Court prevails and does what is good for the state and the country together…what is required for the state and people of the state,” Goa Law and Judiciary Minister Nilesh Cabral told.
Mining in Goa came to a standstill in March 2018 after the Supreme Court quashed 88 mining leases.
“When that (Supreme Court) judgement happened, the Supreme Court did not do what they have done to the other states of the country. Goa is the only state where second renewal was not given. I think they have to relook into the whole thing and allow the second renewal,” he added.
Although efforts have been made to start tourism after the coronavirus outbreak, there are barely 8-10 percent of tourists, he said.
“Today tourism has come to a standstill…At least if mining starts, economic activity will start in the state,” he said, adding the apex court should “allow Goa mining to continue till 2037.”
Stopping of mining operations in Goa has affected three lakh people in the state, as per industry estimates.
“We appeal to the apex court to provide early relief for the resumption of mining in Goa during the upcoming hearing,” said Rajaram Arjun Gaonkar, chairperson, Bicholim Municipal Corporation.
According to Balaji Gauns of the Dharbandora Taluka Truck Owners Association, trucks and other crores worth machinery have been idle for more than two 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 Supreme Court doesn’t provide urgent relief, then a common man like me won’t have anything to live for,” he said.
