Team Herald
PANJIM: The truck owners, drivers from Kalem village along with the Kalem panchayat members met the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Monday.
PWD Minister and Sanvordem MLA Deepak Pauskar accompanied them for the meeting while Power Minister and Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral was also present.
The delegation that met the CM complained that they were being denied access to carry out transportation activity to and fro the Tollem mine. They alleged that the Sanguem Truck Association had cited vague reasons and had repeatedly blocked them from using the route to the mine and had even sent their trucks back empty.
The delegation pointed out that Kalem is located in a remote area and can only rely on the Tollem mine for business, due to other mines being closed in surrounding areas.
They added that a large number of families are dependent on mining business.
The delegation members said they had complained to the local authorities like the deputy collector, etc, but were still being blocked.
At the meeting, the CM contacted a government official in that area and issued directions to allow the people from Kalem to head to the Tollem mine
