Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday that the central government is sympathetic to the restart of mining in Goa and hopes for “good support” from the Supreme Court on the subject. Gadkari told a news conference that the situation is still under investigation and that his comments would be improper.
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After the top court annulled 88 mining leases in February 2018, the iron ore industry in Goa came to a halt. Gadkari claimed he was also participating in the mining industry’s resuming efforts.
The Supreme Court, on the other hand, is the Supreme Court. So, before the SC, we need to give a thorough presentation and figure out a way out,” he continued. The union minister stated that the central government would continue to work toward the restart of mining.
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Only the Supreme Court, according to Gadkari, can rule on the restart of mining in Goa. “After that, we may make any choice (on resuming mining activities) and support them (mining-dependent people),” he added.
The return of iron ore mining has emerged as a significant campaign issue in Goa’s next Assembly elections, which will take place in February next year.
