PORVORIM, FEB 3
Shiv Sainiks on Thursday morning blocked mining trucks transporting iron ore from Reddy and Shiroda in Maharashtra to Sirsai at Karaswada junction in protest against the problems created by mining traffic.
The Shiv Sainik team led by its ex-Goa state chief Ramesh Naik and Ad-hoc committee member Philip D’Souza started blocking mining trucks arriving from Reddy at Kharaswada junction from 10 am. Within an hour, there was a long queue of loaded mining trucks along the highway.
Mapusa Police rushed to the spot and after having discussions with the Shiv Sainiks, they cleared the traffic.
Speaking to media, Naik stated that nearly 500 mining trucks are operating daily from Reddy/Shiroda to Sirsai mines right from 6 am.
“The ground reality is that Bardez taluka does not have the infrastructure to handle heavy mining traffic. The existing roads were built long ago. This mining traffic is responsible for the increasing number of accidents on these roads,” stated Naik.
“Further, life in these areas is affected by pollution. People have to live, eat and drink with dust, which is now suffocating,” added Naik.
“This is our token protest to invite the attention of the State government to the problems generated by the mining activity. If the government fails to impose restrictions on the movement of mining trucks from Reddy to Sirsaim, Shiv Sena will be forced to intensify its agitation,” warned Naik.
D’Souza said life of the common people has become unbearable due to large number of mining vehicles plying along the road.
“The public transport system has also been badly affected due to alleged rash and negligent driving by the mining trucks,” said D’Souza.
“Despite the fact that proceedings under Section 133 of Criminal Procedure Code is pending before the Deputy Collector North Goa in this regard and this issue is being debated strongly in the Assembly session, the government has not taken any action to impose restrictions on the movement of mining traffic,” said D’Souza.
