Mining resumption not getting attention from Centre: Goa Mining People’s Front

PANAJI: The Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) said that the Union government is not giving proper attention to resolve Goa’s mining issue. GMPF also expressed concern over non-inclusion of the Goa legislative cure for mining resumption in the agenda for mineral reforms which is being considered by the Union cabinet.
Mining in Goa came to a halt in March 2018 after the Supreme Court quashed the second renewal of 88 mining leases. Last week, chief minister Pramod Sawant urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi yet again to restart mining activities in Goa — much needed to boost Goa’s economy, which has taken a hit due to the Covid pandemic
The state government has urged the Union mines ministry to amend the Goa, Daman and Diu Mining Concessions (Abolition and Declaration as Mining Leases) Act, 1987, to restart mining activities.
GMPF which represents people dependent on the mining industry for livelihoods in the state also appealed to the Prime Minister and the central government to resume mining in Goa.
Puti Gaonkar, president, GMPF said on Sunday that in the wake of the unparalleled crisis affecting people, GMPF urges for legislative amendment in the state to recommence mining with immediate effect. “We were surprised to read that the Centre is considering bringing in legislative reforms in Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR) while there was no mention of reforms for Goa. We have been requesting the Central, the state government and all authorities concerned for immediate legislative amendment since the past two years through multiple channels,” Gaonkar said
“The request for amendment in the law is also made in the state by various stakeholders viz governor of Goa, chief minister - Pramod Sawant, village sarpanchas and all mining dependants, but from the recent proceedings it is evident that resumption of mining in Goa is not getting due attention from the Centre. The situation is very serious, and it has further worsened with the outbreak of Covid-19,” Gaonkar said
GMPF said that there is an urgent need to resume mining activities in Goa to help the economy of the state and eventually of the country.