Goa govt to pitch for resumption of legal mining operations

State Chief Secretary B Vijayan told PTI that the stand of the government is clear that "we should be allowed to resume the legal mining."

According to him, the government will file affidavit in the apex court responding to the notices issued to them. "We are a party to it (petition) and we are expected to file reply affidavit. It is a response to it," he said.

Replying to a question, Vijayan denied that the state was reeling under recession due to halt in mining operations. "We don't fear any recession. In certain localities, there may be an economic recession. But its impact will be localised," he said.

The Chief Secretary said alternatives are being explored to generate revenue.

"There are certain alternatives, which are being explored and certain measures are passed in the Assembly," he said, adding that stress is being laid on increasing efficiency of tax collection.

He said that the state had expected Rs 900 crore as revenue from mining this year, of which, Rs 350 crore has been collected before mining activities were halted. "The shortfall is only of Rs 600 crore," he said.