Parthasarathy Sen
I’m a well-wisher of all developmental activities in Goa and was pleased to read Herald’s editorial piece ‘It is no one’s interest to stop mining transportation totally’ (Herald, October 15), In this context spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev quote comes to mind, which is also relevant to the success of a nation that “in today’s times not military excellence or political power determines success but the successes of its businesses that is the key requisite.”
What applies to a nation is also applicable to States. Tourism and mining are the main businesses of Goa and after end of the current monsoon the government of Goa must leave no stone unturned to concentrate on resource mobilisation on these two areas.
About 60 per cent of iron ore is exported from the State and there should be no bottlenecks to prevent further growth of this trade, satisfying also the demands of stakeholders without whom promotion and exchange will not blossom. Monthly decline of prices of iron ore, both international and national, are areas of concern.
As per available statistics, the price is 57.86 per dry metric tonne as in June 2017 in the global market and 37.28 in the country i.e. minus 6 per cent both destinations as compared to earlier. The Goa government has to be pro-active to allow as much iron ore possible and the age old tested supply and demand policy is to renewed with vigour. Normally one gets 15 to 16 million tons of iron ore from total excavation of 50 million matter products.
Now the dispute is, demands from All Goan Truck Owners Association to increase transportation charges by Rs 2 per km which the government is reluctant to meet and this will only stall smooth play. A centrist position has to be adopted in the interest of this business to bloom. Individual truckers need relief more than those corporate and political leaders-controlled cartels/groups with adequate fleet. A well thought out solution will be a dividend multiplier; stocks of iron ore will not be piled, rest waste products not allowed to gather and solidified, these destroy environment and bio-diversity and are health hazards to the local area habitat. Mining business needs vision, a road map of action and delivery and all stakeholders must perform in true animal spirits to bring the best out of them.
The state government, without interfering in smooth run of business, must act as the true facilitator plugging loopholes wherever existent and enhancing free excavation, drilling, transportation and shipment but within the ambit of law and rules.
The MLAs who control mining and thereby power in Bicholim, Salcete, Sanguem, Quepem and Mormugao must adhere to government’s regulations and be concerned ecologically sensitive and bow down in front of law and must not appear as predator of bygone times. The government must monitor that transparency in dealings are made and corrupt practices put to a halt. This area must not cast a shadow of parallel economy and real mining process more visible and robust. The corridors of Panjim have to be clear and clean in the interests of the State’s development and growth on the mining issue.
As soon as the rains stop, mining process must start with improved dreams and strong intent of action. Obstacles have to be removed and no one should remain dissatisfied. Let the no – nonsense Chief Minister be the herald of change and transformation to uplift Goa through Mining and Tourism that will be the real wonder of the times.
