Goa Elections: Issue of Mining in the State and its Significance

Mining is a major issue in Goa. All parties claim that upon coming to power, they will start mining operations. But no one has the blueprint for its execution. Mining has been halted on the orders of the Supreme Court. BJP is also saying that it will start mining. But despite being in power for the last ten years, they have failed in this and are unable to provide any answers. The income from mining in Goa is more than the total budget of the state. It is no wonder that this economic activity deeply affects the politics of Goa. Overall, what is the issue of mining in Goa? What is its relation to politics? How are some people looting this wealth? What is its environmental impact? To find out, we speak with Rahul Basu, Director of Research, Goa Foundation. Goa Foundation has been working on the issue of mining in Goa for a long time.