Panaji (Goa) 

A special online petition seeking intervention of Chief Justice of India, President of India and the Prime Minister in the vexed iron ore mining problem in Goa is been launched online. 

So far, nearly two thousand people have signed the petition that pleads to protect the livelihood of three lakh people dependent on the industry.

 ‘Save Livelihood of three Lakh mining dependents in Goa’ petition was set up on the Change.org website, last week, by one Vikas Gaonkar.

The petition is launched following Supreme Court decision to stop mining operations in the State after March 15.

 “The reason for starting this petition is to ensure that stoppage of major economic activity in the state should not lead to a humanitarian crisis in this Paradise on Earth that is Goa,” reads the petition.

It further said that mining Industry and the local population in Goa have peacefully co-existed in the state for the past seven decades and any disruption  to this normal, peaceful fabric of society will be detrimental and have very far reaching effects which can be catastrophic to the well being of all the mining dependents and the society.

The Petition says that the Supreme Court order dated February 7, 2018 cancelling mining leases in Goa and bringing mining to a grinding halt from March 16 will be a severe blow to the lives of three lakh mining dependents in the State.

“ The mining industry in Goa is the only means of livelihood for nearly 60,000 people (directly and indirectly employed), with a multiplier effect felt on various sections of the population to the extent of approximately three lakhs,” it said.

“The solution lies in continuing the Mining Operation post March 15 which shall provide much needed solace to the 3 lakh mining dependents in the state. Urge the authorities to kindly intervene and allow the continuation of mining operations in the State of Goa till a proper plan is in place for long term continuation of mining operations in the State,” the petition stated.