From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Nov 16: The series of media advertisements by panchayats from the iron ore rich belt pleading government to save mining has been surfacing on state’s important newspapers at the backdrop of fears that Shah Commission may recommend ban on exports.
The photographs show panchayat members with hands folded appealing state government to save the mining industry from closure. One of the advertisements released today by Collem panchayat in the mining belt of Sanguem has given five days deadline for 'save Goa and its people dependent on mining from serious consequences of social and economic crisis.'
The panchayat members anticipate grave and very serious consequences resulting in unemployment, starvation and other issues, if mines are stopped.
Justice M B Shah Commission enquiring into the illegal mining activity in the state is expected to give its first report on December 1. There are enough indications through Justice Shah’s earlier media interviews that he might suggest ban on export of iron ore from Goa.
Sandeep Desai, sarpanch of Collem panchayat, said that government should explain to Shah Commission, the importance of mining in Goan economy and how people are dependent the activity.
“Government should tell Shah Commission that state would face grave consequences if lawful mining activities are curtailed or stopped,” he said.
The local panchayats have also demanded that there should not be any buffer zone between wildlife sanctuaries and mines, which will save several mines from being shut down.
Several mines in the state are tapping the ore right next to the boundry of wildlife sanctuary, which has been objected to by Union Ministry of Environment and Forest.
State forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues said that state government cannot go by the media advertisements without applying its own mind or examining the legalities.
The department, he said, has formed six different committees that would work out sanctuary specific buffer zones. “All the six committees would give their report in next one month,” he added.