Goa to invest Rs 100 cr for development in mining belt

Goa government has decided to pump in Rs 100-150 crore in various developmental works in mining belt of the state, which has been hit with recession due to closure of iron ore extraction activity.

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"We will invest Rs 100-150 crore to implement developmental works in the areas affected due to mining closure so that people will have some source of livelihood," Parrikar told reporters yesterday.

The state government is working out on a comprehensive plan to implement progressive works in these constituencies. Parrikar said, "The contract to implement these works would be given to those people who are left jobless due to mining closure." Initially, at least 10,000-12,000 people would be
benefited in the form of various government contracts awarded to them for implementation of these projects, he said.

An estimated over three lakh people are directly or indirectly affected with the mining closure following order of the Supreme Court. The apex court had halted the extraction and transportation of ore in the state, pending inquiry by Central Empowered Committee (CEC).

Parrikar said that 60 per cent of the mines in the state can be started immediately once SC gives the nod. "There may be few things irregular in these (60 per cent) mines but they can be corrected by some penalties like paying fines," he added.