PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said the government is exploring ‘ways and means’ by which mining activities in the State can resume at the earliest.
Parrikar said he would be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in the matter, once there is a clear policy (idea) as to what the State wants.
“My target is to ensure that some of the mines start operations at the earliest. I am trying to see which are the best and fastest routes to resume mining activities in the State. People need not worry,” Chief Minister told media persons responding to a question on whether the government is still exploring the idea of filing a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its order dated February 7.
“I am considering everything. I have not closed any option (review),” he said. “As of now no one needs to worry, the road is still open, this is the rainy season and mines are always closed during the rainy season,” he added.
Iron ore mining activities in the State are suspensed since March 16 after the Supreme Court quashed and set aside the second renewals of all 88 mining leases.
The Chief Minister said that the consultation process with stakeholders is currently on. “Once the consultation is over, only then I will meet the Prime Minister,” he said, adding that he may visit Delhi even while the Assembly is in session.
“Before meeting the Prime Minister, I want to have a clear policy (idea) in my mind as what exactly the State wants. Only once that policy is clear in my mind I will be able to put it up before the Prime Minister,” Parrikar added.
“Also if we want to amend any law, if required, why is it needed is also a question for which we should have an answer. I will take up that option too,” he said.
Stakeholders, including MLAs from the mining belt, are pressing for an
ordinance to amend the Goa Daman and Diu Mining Concession (Abolition and Declaration as Mining Leases) Act, 1987, thereby giving extension to the existing leaseholders till 2037.
Speaking about mass retrenchment by mining companies, the Chief Minister said, “It is not retrenchment, but since there are no activities happening, workers are asked not to report to work.” He said that he has already spoken to mining companies on the matter.
