Will consult attorney general on Goa mining issue, says Gadkari

The government will seek the opinion of the attorney general on the ban imposed by the Supreme Court on iron ore mining in Goa, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said a day after mining workers took to streets in protest.

Gadkari, who arrived here last evening, held a series of meetings with various stake-holders and legislators of the ruling coalition on the sensitive issue which has the potential to make a large section of the state's population turn against the government.

"There were many opinions which were expressed by those who met me. Some felt that the Supreme Court order has been wrongly interpreted, while many felt that they were not represented in the apex court due to which the verdict went against the industry," Gadkari said while addressing a press conference tonight.

The Union minister, flanked by all the ruling MLAs including from the coalition parties of the BJP, said legal brains would be consulted on the matter.

"The stake-holders can also consult their legal experts including former judges of high courts or the Supreme Court for their opinion," he said.

On the outcome of the deliberations he held with mining stake-holders, Gadkari said, "After collecting all opinions, the government will consult the attorney general for his opinion before going for a legal recourse".

He said the government would ensure that a solution to the issue was found quickly, given its sensitive nature.

"We will get all the opinions within eight days and refer them to the Attorney General of India," he said while answering a query.

He appealed to the people to maintain peace until a solution is found.

Hundreds of mining workers and the people dependent on mining from North Goa and South Goa districts yesterday tried to enter Panaji to register their protest against the mining ban.

As they stayed put on two bridges connecting Panaji with South Goa, police baton charged them.

The apex court had last month quashed the second renewal of iron ore mining leases given to 88 companies in Goa in 2015. The mining ban came into force on March 15 midnight.

Earlier in the day, the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA), a body representing mine owners, said they were contemplating filing a review petition in the SC against its judgement quashing mining leases.

The state Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) had earlier said that it was mulling to file a review petition against the apex court order.

Seeking to scotch any anti-government perception, Gadkari said the central and the state governments were aware of the people's situation.