Ore exporter body alleges theft at Old Goa Jetty

The Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA) has alleged that iron ores are being stolen from barges along Mandovi river. The association has spotted 'illegal lifting' of iron ore at the Old Goa jetty and claims this has been happening over the last two weeks.

"Usually the barges moving towards Mormugao pass via the Old Goa jetty. At times the barges leave behind some cargo (in this case iron ore) at the jetty. Two weeks back GMOEA spotted a crane lifting this left-over ore. Two trucks were also seen at the site," said S Sridhar, executive director, GMOEA.

Any such activity can not be carried out without the knowledge or consent of the Goa Barge Owners Association (GBOA) and the Captains of the Ports, said Sridhar.

The GMOEA informed the Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane about this activity last week. According to Sridhar, the Chief Minister has informed the police and the Captain of Ports about the same.

However, action is still awaited. Sridhar said till this morning the crane was spotted at the site. The GMOEA is also planning to set up a pilot committee to look into such illegal activities, he said.