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PANJIM: At the backdrop of Supreme Court partially lifting the ban on iron ore mines in Karnataka, the Goa Mining People’s Front wants the State and Central authorities to carry out a fresh survey of all mining leases in the State.
It wants them to be categorized into three categories as in Karnataka, based on the extent of illegalities.
The Front, an umbrella organization of various organization of mining dependent people said that they are hopeful that mining would commence in the State from the forthcoming mining season, beginning from September 15.
Addressing a press conference, All Goa Barge Owners’ Association president Atul Jadav said that Supreme Court, while imposing a ban on iron ore mining in Karnataka had ordered fresh survey of mining leases by a team of experts and had categorize them into A, B and C categories based on their legality.
He said that State and Centre, rather than waiting for Supreme Court order, should conduct survey of mining leases and it should be submitted before the Apex Court for immediate relief.
Mines with all legal documents should be classified as A, mines with minor violations should be classified as B and rest under C, Jadav suggested.
Meanwhile, around 1,000 people will march to Delhi to hold a 48-hour dharna at Jantar Mantar on April 25 and 26, to draw attention of the Central Government and the Supreme Court to the woes of Goans affected due to mining ban under the aegis of Goa Mining People’s Front.
Speaking to reporters, convener Adv Suhas Naik said that State legislative members have also been requested to pass a unanimous resolution for commencement of legal mining while alleging that both State and Centre governments have become insensitive towards the sufferings of the people.
