PANJIM: The Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF), an umbrella organization of mining dependents, has sought Governor Satya Pal Malik’s intervention for immediate resumption of iron ore industry to help protect livelihood of nearly three lakh people, dependent on the industry.
In a press statement, GMPF president Puti Gaonkar said the resumption of mining in the State can augment the national foreign exchange reserves to approximately Rs 6,000 crore amid the present economic downturn on account of COVID-19, so also will boost the State’s economy, which has lost around Rs 3,500 crore per year due to stoppage of mining.
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“We request Governor Satya Pal Malik for urgent meeting with a small GMPF delegation. We wish to bring to his notice that immediate resumption of Goa mining industry is very crucial, for restoring State economy and saving livelihood of lakhs of people who are directly and indirectly dependent on mining for survival,” Gaonkar said urging Governor as well as Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant for necessary action.
The Front said that legislative cure, as recommended by the Governor and State government to Centre, is only solution to resumption of mining activities.
Gaonkar said the current outburst of COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified the tragic economic condition of the State in a precarious condition.
