Hold referendum on mining; in mining belt: Timblo

PTI, PANAJI | 06 May 2013 20:39 IST

Auduth Timblo, Goa's leading mine owner, has demanded a referendum on whether the current Supreme Court-imposed ban on mining activity in Goa should continue.

“Anna Hazare had said let the people of Goa, connected with the mineral activity, decide. In the same spirit, I also feel that let the people of mining industry decide the fate of this economic activity through a referendum,” said Timblo, chairman, Fomento Resources.

Timblo's Fomento Group is involved in mining in Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka since 1950.

Hazare had made the statement here a few months ago, saying that local people should decide whether they want mining in the area.

Timblo further said that such a referendum should be limited only to mining belt, because “people in Panaji or Mapusa are little aware of the importance and impact of this activity”.

Mining in Goa has come to a halt since September last year following the apex court’s interim order.

Timblo also claimed that mining activity in the state was not as polluting as the propaganda made it out to be, and its impact on the public health was zero.

“This has been proved by primary health checks by government and the top mineral development companies. The people living in mineral belt are healthier than others,” he said.

Timblo, who is a party to the PILs before the Supreme Court, said 95 percent of the mining in the state was within the legal framework.

He also said that some “super-technical” and archaic rules could not be adhered to and were broken, but it did not make the entire activity illegal.

Timblo has also claimed that the mining in Goa could be made completely pollution-free if a mining corridor is built using technology.

"It can be done if the governments agree to spend Rs 3000 crore", he said.


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There is a common phrase used the world over.

It says " HEALTH BEFORE WEALTH".

No doubt Auduth Timblo has both these assets /facets.

In his hurry to resume Mining, and hoping or calculating a referendum will be the fast way forward, has he considered the aspects of other peoples health, specially in the mining environments?

Does he place "wealth" before "Peoples health".? I would like to think he does. He cares two hoots, as he lives in a Golden & environmentally safe Palace, somewhere in Goa.

He can afford the best doctors..but .it is unlikely many living in Mining areas can.

At present ,it is not the Miners providing "RELIEF " to those affected by the Mining Ban. It is the Goa Govt., through Taxpayers money.

If Mr Auduth Timblo was providing relief to the miners, then it would be fair to consider his views.

What good is any wealth, if one does not have the health to enjoy it.

And how many people carry their wealth, into their next LIFE.?

Votes in Goa during elections, can be bought for a few rupees.

What would stop Auduth Timblo paying a few rupees to people, to ensure a referendum goes his way.

It is well known, that many Miners are currently paying Mobsters to stir up agitations .

I would say hardly unlikely.

- N.Fernandes, London | 07 th May 2013 16:27

 

It seems like Mr Auduth Timblo talks through his money rather than good old common sense.

He has the mind-set of Adolf Hitler & Stalin & other infamous Dictators. He thinks his wealth gives him the Right to speak anything.

He fails to understand that Mining was stopped due to rampant illegalities & breaches, committed chiefly by people like him in the mining industry. Perhaps he could be the main player in the "SCORCHED EARTH POLICY".

There is no doubt, that Mining will re-start once all the illegalities, have been ironed-out and proper checks & other procedures are in place.

Having a referendum to resume Mining as it was, with all illegalities and dis-regard for the environment & health of people & wildlife, should not be an option. And why the hurry?

I assume Mr Auduth Timblo is not short of arrogance ,in such matters.

So why not let the Supreme Court complete its inquiry & put in place proper rules for Miners & enforceable rules for the health,welfare & safety of people & the environment?



- N.Fernandes, London | 07 th May 2013 12:32

 

The guy contradicts himself by first saying that mining area people are healthier than the rest for no pollution and dispels dangers of mining dust and the heavy elements that get into ground water. And at the end it is said he needs 3000 crores to make the mining industry pollution-free.

If it was any other developed country, all the miners together with cops and their supporting politicians would have been locked up, forever, for all the corruption, pollution and environmental damages the industry has been causing for years.

Anyway, I hope Timblo believes in Karma.

- John, Goa | 07 th May 2013 04:40

 



As far as I know, I have not read about any accidents since the mining activity has been brought to a halt. Besides, less pollution and the people living in that area are leading a peaceful life, because of the peaceful atmosphere.

Government - Spending Rs 3000 crores... should be out of question, instead bring down the prices of commodities, it has become so difficult to survive with the prices going sky high day after day. Our CM is here to solve our problems.... do continue the good work.

- angela dias, navelim - goa | 06 th May 2013 23:59

 

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