Infra first, mining later: Mission Bypass

QUEPEM: Anticipating resumption of iron ore transportation post monsoon, a Mission Bypass delegation, on Thursday, told Quepem deputy collector and mines department officials that it would not allow transportation of ore until a mining corridor is complete.
Around 50 members of the forum, led by convener Pradeep Kakodkar, met Quepem deputy collector Shanker Gaonkar and questioned him about the steps taken by the state to construct the first phase of the mining bypass.
Advocate Sanjit Dessai, a member, told Gaonkar that chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar had assured a delegation of Mission Bypass in April that the tender for the first phase would be ready by May 28 and that work would commence immediately after.
Six months later, however, work is yet to start.
"We are fighting for the last eight years. The government has done nothing but give false assurances. We are not against mining, but no business can override the fundamental rights of a citizen. First create infrastructure and then continue mining," said Kakodkar.
Gaonkar told TOI that he will inform the South Goa collector about the demands placed before him by Mission Bypass. "I cannot take a decision to stop mining transportation," he said.
Possession and award has been given to the first phase mining bypass, from Gudemoll to Panchwadi, and for the second phase, from Uguem to Gudemoll, said Gaonkar. Land acquisition for the third phase of the mining bypass, from Maina, Pirla to Uguem, has not been done.
The special land acquisition officer has given possession and award to start the another road from Tank, Ambaulim to Sirvoi at the cost of Rs1.65 crore, which will bypass the Quepem town, said Gaonkar and added that the said amount has been taken from the central government scheme.