The fate of 45 mines in Goa hangs in balance with the
environmental clearances granted to them by the Ministry of Environment
and Forests(MoEf) expiring and Centre imposing a moratorium on fresh approvals.
Adding to their woes is the notices issued by the Goa
State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to all 45 mines asking them
“why their consent to operate should not be withdrawn and mining
operations on the leases suspended”.
An NGO, Goa Foundation, which had moved the Bombay High
Court bench here seeking closure of the mines violating the norms said
“it is doubtful if fresh environment clearances can be issued to all 45
mining leases since there is an existing moratorium on consideration of
environmental clearances for mining activities in Goa”.
The issue of Iron Ore mines extracting the ore without valid
clearances is also being examined by Justice M B Shah Commission, which is
likely to give its detailed report on the illegal mining industry in Goa in a
few days.
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