Mr. Prasanna Acharya, Director Goa DMG on behalf of state of Goa has filed an affidavit in reply to the writ petition (C) in the Supreme Court No. 711 of 2015.
Earlier on 17 Nov’15 the Supreme Court had asked the Goa govt. to formally defend itself against accusation that it renewed 88 lapsed mining leases in the state in violation of the auction rule introduced by way of MMDR Amendment Act, 2015. NGO ‘Goa Foundation’ had challenged the Goa govt. in the Supreme Court for renewing the lapsed mining leases.
In reply to the writ petition the affidavit states that all the 88 mining leases, 2nd renewal orders of deemed mining leases have been issued in confirmity with order of Apex Court dated 21 Apr’14 and also in exercise of powers under MMDR Act Indian Bureau of Mines has approved mining plans in all 88 mining leases for a period of 20 years w.e.f 23 Nov’07 to 22 Nov’27.
It is also mentioned that prohibition on mining within 10 kms of boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries was specifically rejected by the Supreme Court long back and the petitioner cannot reopen the issues concluded in earlier matters.
The affidavit brings out the ill effects of mining ban in Goa which not only left 3.5 lakh people jobless but also adversely impacted the mining revenue of the state. And any interim order from Honorable Court would severely impact the people who are directly indirectly connected with the industry.
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