A Case Study On Socio-economic And Environmental Impacts Of Mining Ban In Goa

The pristine State of Goa is abundantly endowed with natural mineral resources. Ores of iron, manganese, and bauxite are the minerals utmost of economic significance. A large number of people are reliant on mining for carrying their livelihoods as iron ore mining is one of the utmost economic activities after tourism, agricultural and fishing practices. The mining sector of Goa contributes to the state exchequer, employment and physical development while, on the other hand it has led to some legal, social and environmental conflicts. The result of which, the mining practices of the state were banned and this led to the worst socio-economic conditions of the poor livelihood of the rural areas. This paper examines the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the state due to the mining. The data was collected and later compiled through a set of questionnaires concentrating primarily on the impact of the mining ban in the state of Goa. Sample size comprising 500 respondents were taken accordingly, who were affected directly or indirectly by the mining ban in the state and the data was thoroughly analyzed. It is revealed from the study that if systematic and scientific mining practices are taken place with sustainable manner, mining practices as well as environmental restoration and socio-economic development can go parallel.