Cooperative sector should take over mining in Goa: Gadgil

Renowned environmentalist Madhav Gadgil today suggested that cooperative sector should be allowed to operate the mining sector in Goa that had mired in controversy and faced suspension for around two years.
"Since the state and private sector has failed to mine the iron ore as it was marred with illegalities, the cooperative sector should be allowed to handle it," he said here while addressing an event titled 'Prudent Mining in Goa'.
He pointed out that people started showing interest in running the mining operations through cooperative sector after it was hit by the crisis (suspension).
"Gram sabha of Cauvrem village has resolved to take over the mining operations in their village in south Goa. But the government departments are siting on the proposal," he said.

The file is not being pushed forward by the government stating that cooperative sector cannot carry out mining operations, Gadgil said.
The environmentalist said the experts were confident that mining could be carried out through cooperative sector.

Gadgil equated the attempt to take over mines by cooperative sector to the movement by farmers in Maharashtra way back in 1950s, when they started sugar factories.
"If farmers could successfully run sugar factories, then why can't the locals in Goa operate the mines in their own village," he said.
According to him, if mining is handed over to the cooperative sector, then the Narendra Modi government's promise of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' (taking everyone along, development for all) can be fulfilled.

"When PM spoke about Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' it meant power to the poor. But one year down the line we have seen that strong people are getting stronger," he added.
The Supreme Court had suspended the mining activities in Goa after Justice M B Shah Commission pointed out illegalities. The apex court finally lifted the ban last April. However, the industry is yet to resume.