GCCI demands regulatory body to monitor mining
PTI, PANAJI | 22 April 2014 19:53 IST
Goa's apex industry body on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court order allowing extraction of iron ore and said there should be a regulatory authority at the State level to monitor mining trade.
The apex court had on Monday allowed an annual cap of 20 million tonnes of iron ore to be extracted in Goa which was banned by it in the State for nearly one-and-a-half years.
"There should be a proper regulatory authority at the state level which will monitor and ensure implementation of the Supreme Court directions in the matter so that there is no repeat of illegalities committed in the past," Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Narayan Bandekar said reacting to the judgement allowing mining in the state.
He said the 20 MT cap may not be sufficient to cover all surplus capacities that have been built into the system.
"But this is a good beginning. By ensuring that all SC conditions are observed strictly and no illegalities are allowed to be committed, we can approach the apex court in future to enhance the cap," he said.
The GCCI said the ban had adversely affected not only mining and mining-related activities, but almost every sector of Goan economy.
"Today's judgement is a big relief to all those who depended on mining for their livelihood, especially the barge, truck, mining machinery owners and other small business owners who serviced the mining industry," Bandekar said.
"The lifting of the ban does not, however, mean that we can start operations tomorrow," he said.
To Clean Up Mining Mess, Swaraj Act Is A Must. SWARAJ (Power In The Hands Of The People). Decision As Per Survey (Majority Voice). No Interference Of Politicians And Of Political Pressure In Implementing Any People Related Laws, Schemes, Etc. Development Funds In The Hands Of The People And Not In The Hands Of The Ministers/MPs/MLAs.