Team Herald
Vasco: The Vasco town gave an average response to the Goa bandh called by the Goa Mining Peoples Front. Shops in the main market areas remained closed for half a day protesting against the mining stoppage in the state of Goa.
At least 200 persons took a rally protesting the closure. The protests were attended by various stakeholders of the mining business.
Atul Jadhav of the Barge Owners Association said “Vasco port had a mono cargo operation of iron ore and several professionals like stevedore, shipping agents workers handling and sampling cargo and atleast 6000 workers at barges. All these persons were responsible for movement of economy of the town of Vasco. Now some are down to 50% of their businesses and hence we now request the Government to start the mining business in Goa so that Vasco revives” said Atul.
Mannu Thakker said “Vasco was benefiting from this work force at the port. Shops, transportation, banks and several other businesses were dependent. After the iron stopped it is seen that it was the main stay of the town and has now stopped and it is of utmost importance that mining resumes in Goa”
Private bus transport and other services continued to function all day while many businesses already in a slow down decided to continue their businesses.
