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Stakeholders of the mining industry in Goa have requested the Supreme Court-appointed Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) to submit its report on illegal mining early, for quick resumption of mining extraction and export in the State.
The three-member committee, which was directed to give its report within four weeks, has met various stakeholders including mine owners, barge owners, truck operators, bank representatives and people dependent on the mining industry.
On October 5, mining operations in all the 90 mines in Goa were ordered to be halted by the Supreme Court on the basis of the Justice M. B. Shah Commission report, which estimated a whopping Rs 35,000-crore loss to the exchequer due to illegal mining in the last 12 years.
The South Goa Truck Owners’ Association member Vinayak Gawas, who was part of the delegation that met the CEC, said the committee was requested to give its report as early as possible so that mining activity can resume.
“We told the committee that when we purchased trucks to carry ore, we did not know whether the ore was legal or illegal. We have ended up with huge borrowings and have given collateral securities,” Sawant added.
The truck owners feared a spate of suicides if the activity remains halted for the next few months. The mine owners who met the committee refused to divulge what was discussed in the meeting.
“I have nothing to comment because the inquiry is part of a judicial process. The matter is sub-judice,” Shivanand Salgaoncar, President, Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association told presspersons last night.
The All Goa Barge Owners’ Association President Atul Jadhav said 35O-odd barges operating for the mining industry would be rendered useless if the activity does not resume.
“There are 6,000 crew members and 30,000 people dependent on ancillary industries related to barges,” Jadhav said.
The bankers too feared a collapse if mining does not start.
Ulhas Phaldesai, Chairman, Goa State Cooperative Bank, said 1,700 trucks have been loaned by the bank to truckers, which amounts to an exposure of Rs 65 crore.
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