TEAM HERALD
PONDA: In an unusual outburst, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar claimed that unlimited exploitation of ore by mining companies and negligence by government officials were two factors responsible for the stoppage of mining in the State.
He was speaking at the national workshop 2015 organised by Goa Engineering College (GEC) in association with Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI) on the topic ‘Auctioning of mineral resources – relevance and impact’.
Speaking further, Dhavalikar said surplus ore was mined when mining was at its boom, just before the closure and this had led to the collapse of Goa’s economy.
“However, due to efforts of the State and Central governments, mining in Goa is likely to commence by May 2015, as all the blockades on its way to restart are likely to cleared before May this year,” stated Dhavalikar.
He also blamed government officials for being negligent in taking action to stop the unlimited exploitation of ore.
He further said mining industries played major role in the development of the country and the states and due to improper management in the past, Goa is paying for it. He stressed proper management in future to avoid repeat of such closure. “More infrastructures for mining including separate corridor for mining transportation is required,” he added.
Chief guest J M Noronha, chairman, Goa State Pollution Control Board, during valedictory function gave valuable thoughts.
Arijit Bagchhi (president, Mining Engineers’ Association of India), Vivek Kamat (director of Technical Education), Dr V N Shet (principal Goa College of Engineering), Kishor Haldankar (chairman, MEAI Goa Chapter & co-convenor) and K N Subhash (HOD, Mining Engineering Department (GEC) were present on the occasion.
