PANAJI
Seeking intervention in restoring seamless mining operations in the region, more than 150 workers of Vedanta Sesa Goa met Chandrakant Shetye, MLA, Bicholim, and Premendra Shet, MLA, Mayem, as disruptions in transportation of ore continues to be a major point and is causing hardship to over 600 workers and others engaged with mining operations as also affecting over 3,000 mining dependents.
According to the workers, commencement of iron ore mining at Bicholim was a very significant development and opened new vistas for the progress and socio-economic development of the people of the state. But continuous protests, especially blockades of trucks carrying ore, have had an extremely adverse impact on the operations and morale of the employees and the workmen.
They said the air of uncertainty continues to hang over the future of mining in the state despite regulatory clearances and it does not bode well for the people of the region and also puts a big question mark over the investment-friendly status of the state.
They added that only a large-scale commercial operation like mining can spark a turnaround in the fortunes of people and ensure inclusive development of the region and people should realise the negative impact of these disruptions on the future of mining in the region as well as state.
“Government of Goa and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant have made a lot of efforts to resume mining in Goa after 12 years. Vedanta Sesa Goa has legally bid for and won the right to commence mining operations in Bicholim Mineral Block-Block I and has since then made all efforts to run operations as per laws and regulations. There were some issues pertaining to farmers, and ex-workers and the company has made efforts to resolve the same. Now some individuals are blocking the transportation of ore and causing hardships to 600-plus workforce. We request that you intervene and help resolve the issue and that transportation should be resumed while final negotiations between all parties continue along side,” said Atmaram Tilve of the Sesa Workers Union.
The legislators assuaged concerns of the workers by stating that they will engage with stakeholders and come up with a solution to ensure the development of the region is not affected and grievances are addressed.
“I am confident that there will soon be a resolution of the issues and we will engage with all stakeholders and work towards resolving all outstanding issues” said Chandrakant Shetye, Bicholim MLA.
