Sanvordem (Goa): The State government’s ambitious dedicated mining corridors project, for ferrying the ore from lease site to the jetties bypassing the thickly inhabited areas, will take shape in next three years.
The nodal agency for the project- Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC)- has decided to commence the work on the construction of three-phase mining corridors post upcoming monsoon season.
“It is a huge project. We will require at least three years completing the entire three-phase mining corridor. We intend to start the work post coming monsoons,” GSIDC chairman Deepak Prabhu Pawaskar said.
The GSIDC has also decided to study the feasibility of all three phases, before going ahead with the construction, considering the fact that there are several mining leases which are not in operation in those areas where corridors are proposed.
“We have to take into account the operation of mining leases. In certain places like Tilamol, Rivona in South, several mines have not commenced and hence we find it won’t be feasible enough to invest and build corridors there. We have to take into consideration all the aspects,” the Chairman said.
Pawaskar said GSIDC is going to fund the project, which will also include 10 percent share from the District Mineral Funds, where the mine owners have paid one third of their royalty payment for the development of areas affected with mining activities.
It was in 2011 when then Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had mooted the idea of having dedicated mining corridors for the State. However, it never took shape, initially due to funding issue after mining companies declined to finance it, followed by two year long ban on the industry in September 2012.
The first phase of the mining corridor is proposed between Uguem and Guddemol, having a stretch of around 8.9km, and the second phase between Guddemol and Capxem with a stretch of 8.4km. The government has also proposed the third phase of around 32km stretch between Cavrem and Uguem.
Government in 2012 had published sections IV, VI and VII of the Land Acquisition Act for two phases. However, in January 2013, GSIDC scrapped the contract of the first phase of the mining corridor and decided to hold back the proposal till resumption of mining activities.
Team TNV
