Panaji, May 14 (TNN): The logjam continues between agitating residents of Cavrem and the state government over the transportation of e-auctioned iron ore from the south Goa village.
Following a meeting with chief minister Manohar Parrikar at his Altinho-Panaji residence, Cavrem residents told TOI that the CM has called a meeting on Wednesday between them and government officials to resolve the matter.
On Tuesday, together with activists, several residents assembled outside the office of the directorate of mines and geology to oppose the ore transportation.
They complained to mines director Prasanna Acharya that their trucks had not been employed in the ore transportation nor were their names recommended for compensation.
They further raised apprehensions about ore being transported in excess of the amount settled for on account of no monitoring system.
Abhijit Prabhudesai, an activist said, "The Supreme Court and various government transportation notifications have said that the benefits (of mining) should go to the locals and there should be an equitable distribution among the previously employed workers. This is not being done."
He claimed there was no supervision under way at Cavrem and the "illegal miners" and their workers could take advantage of the situation.
Acharya denied this saying, "The e-auction is being carried out under SC orders and is monitored by their appointed authority. Although we have suggested the names of previous workers, the bidders are free to pick their own employees." With regard monitoring, he said details of the trucks and their loads are available on the department's website. This was backed by Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldesai.
Pointing out that the government has the power to take stern action if such protests continue, Acharya said the extra ore belonged to the state government.
Unhappy with the meeting with Acharya, the villagers demanded a meeting with the CM, who met them at Altinho.
Cavrem panchayat member Ravindra Velip, coming out of the meeting, informed residents about Wednesday's meeting, while Prabhudesai told them the CM has said he will try to arrange for employment for the unemployed villagers.