Truckers willing to operate vulnerable in Goa's mining zone

Even as a section of truck owners are agreeing to resume the iron ore exports in Goa, the fear of getting attacked is keeping them at bay despite mounting debts to the local banks.
The Goa government has already renewed leases of the mining companies allowing them for fresh extraction and exports.
Sesa Iron Ore was the first company to begin its exports till its attempt of ore transportation was scuttled last month after some of its vehicles were allegedly attacked.
"We are willing to ply the trucks. It is better to earn less than being penniless. It is more than three years that we are waiting for the consignment," said a truck owner from Sanvordem, whose truck was recently among vehicles that faced attack from rival group of truck owners.

Some of the truck owners are under shadow of fear that they will have to face the wrath of their fellow operators if they ply their vehicles.
"What do we do with these trucks? The bank loan is piling up every month. If we can earn little, we would be able to pay our EMI," said another truck owner on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, All Goa Truck Owners Association continue to stick to their decision to halt transportation till their demand for a higher price per tonnage is conceded by the company.
The association's strike call had led to several trucks being attacked recently.

Sesa Iron ore had feared that they will have to go for no work no pay, if exports don't resume.
"Our hearts go out to the truck owners whose vehicles have
been damaged and we sympathise with their plight. Vedanta has never coerced anyone.
"However, a small faction of truck owners from one part of Goa cannot refrain and use pressure tactics to stop and prevent operators from other part of Goa," Chakavarthy said.
"As far as the government is concerned, a state of fear is prevalent among those who want to carry out business but a majority of them are without work due to the excess number of trucks in need of business. The situation has been created due to innumerable new registration of trucks between 2007 and 2012," she added.

Chakravarthy said that proactive steps are needed to streamline the number of trucks available for work in Goa such that available trucks are equal to number of trucks who need business.
She added that throughout the agitation, wrongdoers have not been brought to book and they have taken the law into their hands creating panic among those who want to do business.
Goa Mineral Ore Exports Association (GMOEA), an umbrella organisation of exporters, said sustainable mining operations have to commence.
"The mining industry, including bulk commodities are presently facing tough times. There is need to withdraw all the taxes which were introduced during the peak time," GMOEA Secretary Glenn Kalavampara said.

He said there should not be any hindrance in operations and transportation of the cargo.
"Also, there should be immediate rectification in acts and rules which practically impair sustainable mining practices. As the industry enters 2016, there should be cohesive efforts in ensuring sustainability and regulations," he added.