“Though several attempts are being made to put a setback to the mining industry and obstruct the resumption process, I am confident that in the interests of people of Goa and the State, things will move forward in a positive direction,” Parsekar said. He had been asked whether the Goa Foundation petition in the Supreme Court challenging lease renewals will have a setback to the mining industry, which is yet to resume in the State. “There will be no impact….things will move ahead,” he said.
Goa Foundation, whose earlier petition on illegal mining had halted mining activities for nearly two years, has again approached the Supreme Court challenging renewals of 88 iron ore mining leases. The Foundation has sought interim relief on the operation of these mines from the court.
When asked, Parsekar reiterated that following demands from his legislative colleagues and party leaders, the government will initiate an inquiry into foreign funding of Goa Foundation.
The government has already filed its affidavit before the Apex Court defending the lease renewal process. At the same time, it has castigated Goa Foundation of working with a different agenda and ulterior motive to stall the economy and progress of Goa in the name of
illegality.
The foundation will file its rejoinder in the case on December 7. The SC has kept the matter for final hearing on December 9.
