Goa CM Laxmikant Parsekar hopeful of resolving mining issue in New Year

PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today supported the demands of truck owners saying efforts were on to resolve the issue between a mining company and truck owners and expressed hope that iron ore extraction activity to restart in the state in the New Year.

"We should be in a position to put things in order in relation to mining in the state in the New Year. We are looking into all aspects of mining and would consider the opinion of all stakeholders on the issue before taking a final decision," Parsekar said in an official release.

"The demand of the truck owners and drivers are genuine as they were out of business for last three years and should get proper income," Parsekar said.

Sesa Iron Ore company had rejected to increase the rate of transporting iron ore, which led to protests by private truckers in the state earlier this week.

The company has been at loggerheads with truckers over the rate offered to transport the ore.

The All Goa Truck Owners association has refused to accept Rs eight per ton per kilometre rate offered to them by the company.

Sesa Goa had already announced that they might have to go for 'No work, no pay' for its workers if the crisis with the truckers continues.

Earlier, on December 4, the mining, which had resumed in Goa after Supreme Court lifted the ban, was stopped after a truck was burnt near Sankhalim village.