NT NETWORK
VASCO
Pointing out that the state government is seized of the mining crisis, Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho, who is also the Minister for Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry and Protocol, on Tuesday said that the government should come out with a solution at the earliest.
Godinho also said that it is necessary to start mining operations as without it the economy of Goa will crumble and many people will lose their source of livelihood. He said, “Even in Mormugao taluka, a number of people and stakeholders are meeting me. Literally Vasco will come to a standstill if mining operations stop.”
Godinho was speaking to pressmen on the sidelines of inspection of a site near Vales House at Alto-Dabolim where construction of a circle is proposed by opening the median of the four-lane highway. The median near the Vales House was closed some couple of months ago after a number of accidents.
Godinho said that the Supreme Court order quashing 88 mining leases has come as a jolt to mining dependants who were recovering from the 2012 shock. He said, “Mining should start as soon as possible. But, we can’t command the courts. As the court has given deadline of March 15, we should not wait for the last moment. Everybody should sit together, put their heads together and work it out.”
Meanwhile, while speaking over the proposed circle at Vales House at Alto-Dabolim, Godinho said that people in the vicinity of Alto-Dabolim are facing a lot of inconvenience in crossing the highway. “The construction of circle would allow the vehicular riders to cross the highway easily, and they would not have to travel all the way to the MES College junction,” said Godinho.
Godinho disclosed that the design of the circle will be finalised by the NHAI and PWD authorities in some more days. He however said that he would direct transport authorities to prevent use of road leading to NH-17A from Vales House.