Goa govt affidavit to show socio-eco impact of mining halt

SC, in its order on Oct 5, 2012, has halted transportation and extraction of ore in the state

The Goa government will file an affidavit in the Supreme Court tomorrow, in which it will highlight the socio-economic impact of suspension of iron ore mining activities in the state since October last year.

The social and economic impact on the people in the state if mining continues to halt in future, will be highlighted in the affidavit, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said.

"The economic and social impact would be the main aspect that would be highlighted in the affidavit," Parrikar said.

The apex court, in its order on October 5, 2012, has halted transportation and extraction of ore in the state pending report from the Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC).

A Goa-based NGO named Goa Foundation had moved the Supreme Court after Justice M B Shah Commission pointed out the large-scale illegalities in iron ore mining in the state. The case would be heard in the apex court in February.

The state government will also plead through affidavit that they are capable to differentiate between legal and illegal mining.

"State should be allowed to differentiate without any intervention," Parrikar said.

The state government, he said, should be allowed to ensure sustainable mining in the larger interest of the people of Goa.

The Chief Minister expressed fears that several banks which had given loan for the purchase of trucks, barges (ships) and mining machinery, are on the verge of collapse.

"This economic collapse will not just impact mining industry but other industries too," he said.