BJP, allies to restore mining in Goa: Vishwajit Rane

Goa's Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies are committed to restoring mining in the state.

Speaking to ANI, Rane said, "Our primary concern is to protect the interests of truck owners and the people who are permanently employed with mining companies. The ban has been imposed by the Supreme Court and we have to respect that."

"In order to resume mining, we will have to come up with a fool-proof plan. All 40 MLAs are united on this. Our allies have the same opinion on this issue. Our Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is also working tirelessly for this despite his illness."

The Supreme Court on February 7 this year set aside the renewal of Goa Miners mining e lease. The apex court said that mining activity would only be allowed till March 16. The petition had been filed in the court challenging the fresh renewal of 88 iron ore mining leases and auctioning them by Goa government. The top Court had asked the Central government to start a fresh process of the auction for mining companies in the state.

Speaking about the ban on the illegal fish import, the Health Minister said, "I am not going to lift the ban. Whatever is written in Food Safety and Standards Authority of India will be followed. In the act, it is clearly mentioned that food transportation license is required. Safety and well-being of Goans is the primary concern of our government."

On November 12, Rane had issued a circular to ban all fish imports if traders do not follow basic guidelines.