News and Events

BL reported that the SC order halting extraction and transportation of ore in Goa has received mixed reactions with environmentalists welcoming the order but the industry demanding that legal mining should have been spared.

 

 Mr Oscar Rebello social activist said that “We welcome this order. The environment in the state will get a breathing time to heal all the wounds committed by the mining industry.”

 

 Mr Rebello said that the Government, NGOs, stakeholders and mine operators should use the time of the ban to work out the alternative mode of employment for those who are genuinely dependent on the mining activity for their livelihood.

 

 However, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry feels that the apex court should have spared the legal mining industry in its verdict.

 

 Mr Manguirish Pai Raikar president of GCCI said that “The legal mining activity should have been allowed to continue. There are so many mining leases that are legally valid.”

 

 He claimed that the GCCI had always been opposing illegal mining in the State. He added that “In all the communications, which we have been addressing to the State Government during the last three years, the Chamber has been opposing illegal mining and fly by night operators.”

 

 GCCI said that an investment of INR 1,200 crore has been locked due to current imbroglio in the mining sector.

 

 Mr Raikar said that “The State Government should portray a right picture to the Supreme Court about the industry.”

 

 The Supreme Court had on Friday halted the extraction and transportation of the ore in Goa and also formed a Centrally Empowered Committee, which will submit its report within four weeks after examining the illegalities in this sector. Goa Foundation, a state based NG had approached the Supreme Court demanding a ban on the mining industry in the State.