PANAJI | June 14, 2016: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Goa, on Monday demanded that ‘people-centric’ iron ore mining in Goa start in full swing in the post-monsoon season in the interest of the people who were suffering due to cessation of the activity for the past three years.
“We want mining to start again. People dependent on mining must be protected and so should the environment,” said Christopher Fonseca, General Secretary of AITUC, Goa, while replying to a question on the mining crisis in the State.
The AITUC, which has been at the forefront of the struggle of the mining dependents in Goa, held former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar (currently Defence Minister at the Centre) solely responsible for the worries of over one lakh mining dependents.
Mr. Fonseca said it was Mr. Parrikar who had put an end to mining activity for ‘unholy reasons’ in the name of illegal mining, which had led to problems.
He said mining was essential but should be carried out keeping in mind concerns of people and the environment, besides road safety and exploitation of natural resources.
(Source: http://www.thehindu.com/)