Panaji: Post the Supreme Court's order to shut mining activity in Goa last year, lives of nearly 3 lakh mining dependents are hanging in balance.
In a hope that apex court might annul its previous order, all these dependents are anxiously waiting for the next hearing in the case scheduled on April 15th.
To make authorities aware of their situation, nearly 200 state mining dependents under the banner of Goa Mining People's Front are holding a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.
In the herd of men, ETV Bharat had an opportunity to talk to a few women mining dependents whose lives might turn upside down if mining doesn't resume in the state.
Consumed with fear of losing her job if mining doesn't restart in the state, Riddhi told ETV Bharat, "I have a family of five members who rely on me. My father is retired. My mother is a homemaker. Both my brother and sister are studying."
Talking further on job insecurity in the current scenario, she said, "companies are removing people haphazardly. Goa is a small state. Not much farming is there. Mining is the only which provides employment."
The situation is no different for another mining industry professional Gandha. Her retired parents are dependent on her as well. She too fears that if mining activity doesn't restart soon then she might lose her job.
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