The Indian state of
Goa has been hit by revelations of unauthorized iron ore mining, with claims
that at least one third of all exports of the mineral last year were extracted
illegally.
The illegally
exported ore is estimated to have been worth 11 billion rupees while the unpaid
duty totalled some 1.2 billion rupees.
But the drive to
curb illegal mining in the state is affecting those who trade iron ore legally
and others who are dependent on the mining sector.
In a show of strength, thousands of people dependent on the
mining industry in Goa today gathered in Panaji demanding that legal mining
must not be affected in a quest to stop illegal iron ore extraction in the
State.
Around 15 different organisations representing truck owners,
machinery owners, contractors and allied industry gathered at Campal ground in
Panaji to express fear that the tirade against illegal mining would devastate
legal mining trade, which is the State’s second-largest industry .
The protesters have set a deadline of October 25 for the
government to clarify its position.
“If government does not come out with any assurance then we
will be forced to paralyse Panaji city,” All Goa Truck owners association
president Nilkant Gawas said.
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