New Delhi: Around 26 Gram Panchayats of Goa have urged the Supreme Court for resurrection of mining activities in the state to end an humanitarian crisis on account of unavailability of income sources for its constituents on account of mining stoppage in the State of Goa.
Their plea seeks to bring back mining in the state so that its people can once again earn a stable income and work for a better future.
In a statement Sanvordem Village Panchayat Sarpanch Sandeep Prabhu Pauskar said, “One fifth of Goa’s population is dependent on mining. We are highly worried by the postponement of allotted hearing dates and repeated issuance of new ones at the Honorable Courts without any conclusive decisions being reached. Immediate resumption of Goa mining industry is crucial now to save the state’s economy and revive livelihood of over 3 lakh people who are directly and indirectly dependent on mining for survival We hope that our plea is heard at the earliest by the Honorable Supreme Court as each passing days only makes the condition worst.”
Rivona Village Panchayat Sarpanch Surya Naik said, “Mining is and has been a mainstay of the people of Goa since its inhabitants have been employed in mining and ancillary activities for at least 6 generations. Ban on mining activities for the past 32 months has had an debilitating impact on the local people and its economy in our Gram Panchayats. We are praying for justice for our livelihood to be delivered swiftly as we have been suffering for many years”
“The repeated cry of the people to resume livelihood can yield results only with the supportive intervention of State and the Central Government. We are requesting the decision-making authorities to understand our pangs and take conclusive decisions and steps. We will not leave any stone unturned till justice is delivered to the people of Goa” added Mr. Naik .