Panaji, July 25 (IANS) Operations of 40 out of Goa's 100-odd mines which were running without clearances for the last few years will be cancelled within two weeks, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Wednesday said.
Parrikar told the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly that the 40-plus mines were operating without the required documentation and several mines had even been given dubious environment clearances by the union ministry of environment and forests .
He alleged that the previous Congress-led state government allowed the mines to function, even when they did not follow the norms, rules and regulations.
"I am cancelling all the condonations in a couple of weeks," Parrikar said.
He said that mining was essential but it should not be at the cost of ecology.
"Mining will be a controlled activity and no fly by night activity will be allowed. About 400 traders were given licenses, which we have brought down to 45," Parrikar said, adding that the measure would help curb illegal mining.
|
|
Comments:
shankar jog
July 26, 2012 at 7:35 PM
The new CM is talking with many mouths as that of Ravana. One moment he says there is no illegal mines in Goa. Next he says he had to give that reply because the question was framed that way. Now he says he will close down 40 mines who are working for last many years without necessary clearances. Actually 90 % mines are illegal. But, he will be selective which mines he will close. He wont touch any mines of Timblo, Tarcar, Sesa, Fomento, etc., the big sharks, but he will close insignificant mines which are almost closed and do not produce much ore presently. And who knows ? Next day he may again claim that mines of big sharks are legal and all others are illegal. He can say anything because he is CM and papers will publish. But there is nobody to publish views of environment caring people. All papers are same, they will publish only those news which their political bosses permit.