14 May 2022  |   07:25am IST

Says mining is important for Goa’s economy; All efforts being made to restart mining activities to give livelihoods

Some see mining as destructive, approach court even to stop iron ore transportation: Sawant

Team Herald

 

BICHOLIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Friday said some see mining as destructive and are approaching the courts even to stop iron ore transportation.

“Some people look at mining as destruction. We want to start sustainable mining. Government wants to give livelihoods to people. We want revenue for the government and livelihoods for people,” Sawant said while speaking at a training workshop for block development officers (BDOs) and panchayat secretaries organised by the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in association with the Directorate of Mines and Geology at Sanquelim.

The Chief Minister said that mining is very important for Goa’s economy and 

that all efforts are being made to restart mining activities to give livelihoods to the people.

“It is not proper that people and NGOs go to court over minor mining issues. There is no personal interest. Government has now decided to restart mining activities in full swing by following proper environmental aspects in the interest of tipper truck operators, machinery operators, barge operators and others,” he said, adding that there is need to think positively by looking at the plight of the mining dependent people.

The Chief Minister lauded the efforts of the DMF in the field of health, education and other sectors. The permanent mineral fund is of Rs 500 crore approximately and DMF funds will be fully utilised for the welfare people from mining areas, he said.

 He also said that the government has decided to start a grievance cell for senior citizens which will help them solve their grievances. The grievance cell will also act as a deterrent to government servants, as they will have face the consequences if anyone complains against them, he warned.