PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is scheduled to visit Delhi next week to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss the issue of resumption of mining operations in the State. 

This will be Parrikar’s first visit to Delhi post his return from the USA, where he was undergoing medical treatment for pancreatic ailment for the last three months.

The Chief Minister was supposed to chair a meeting of MLAs from the mining belt on Thursday. However, the absence of MLAs forced him to postpone the meeting, which was attended by only Sanvordem MGP MLA Deepak Pawaskar.

Speaking to media persons Pawaskar said the stress is on early resumption of mining as people are protesting the suspension of the activity. “We have three options before us – extension to the existing leases by way of ordinance, setting up a Corporation to run the mines or auction leases,” he stated. 

“Whatever may be the option to resume mining, the activity has to start by October this year. Government is open for the option which will ensure that mining 

resumes by October,” he stated. 

When asked, Pawaskar said most favour extension of the existing leases by passing an ordinance. “But merely extending the leases won’t help, as Environment Clearances granted to these leases should also be extended. Applying for fresh ECs would delay the resumption of mining further,” he said. “In that case, even auction of leases would be delayed. The immediate move looks like a corporation,” he added.