It is illegal to stop transport of ore in Goa now
Times of India reported that directorate of mines and geology, reacting to the illegal stoppage of transport of e-auctioned iron ore in some parts of Goa, has directed both the district magistrate and the police to act swiftly and sternly in the matter. Mines director Mr Prasanna Acharya, in a letter to both the north and south Goa district collectors, both north and south Goa superintendents of police (SP), captain of ports and SP traffic and said that illegal stoppage of transportation of mineral is in contravention of the MMDR Act and Goa (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Storage and Transportation of Minerals) Rules, 2013.
Stating that the apex court, in its judgement, has specifically directed the state government to strictly enforce the provisions of Goa Rules, 2013, he said, "As such strict enforcement of the Goa (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Storage and Transportation of Minerals) Rules, 2013, is not only the job of this department, but also the job of other line departments like district administration, police department, traffic police, captain of ports, etc.
In 2012, prior to mining being suspended in Goa, some people residing in the vicinity of the transportation route used to extort money from lease holders citing reasons like social cost, dust pollution, traffic jam, etc as at that time iron ore price was at its peak.
Howevre, post enforcement of Goa Rules, 2013, in order to protect the interests of those affected by transport of minerals, the apex court has directed leaseholders to pay 10 per cent of the sale price of minerals in the interest of sustainable development and intergenerational equity into Goa iron ore permanent fund.This money is to be utilized for the people of the state, including people residing in the vicinity of the lease or along the route minerals are transported, by way of infrastructure development.
Source : Times of India