TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CURCHOREM: The Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban on mining in the State has been widely welcomed in and around Curchorem, one major hub for mining activities in the State.
“It is a very good decision and it is the result of the BJP government’s efforts to restart mining in Goa,” said Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral.
“SC understands the needs and difficulties of the people,” said Cabral and hoped that the mining cap of 20 million tonnes per annum would be increased in future.
Also welcoming the lifting of the ban on mining, former Curchorem MLA Shyam Satardekar also urged the government to support the expert panel appointed by SC so that the committee can submit its report to the apex court within six months.
Rajan Naik, a transport contractor, said it is a “great relief for mining- dependent people.”
A truck owner, Mohan Naik from Kirlapal-Dabal, hopes that the State government could give them financial aid to resume their transport activities.
Stating that Goa would now be in a position to generate additional resources with lifting of the ban on mining, Martino Barbosa, a teacher from local Guardian Angel Higher Secondary School (Curchorem), has requested the state government to formulate a proper policy before resuming the activity.
Social worker Pradip Kakodkar felt the State government and mining stakeholders should take lessons from the order of the Supreme Court.
“The government should also keep in mind difficulties faced by people while ore is being transported so that they do not face difficulties while travelling in mining-dominated areas,” said Kakodkar.
