Since Sep’12, Goa is struggling with mining bans, an expert committee of 6 member recommended for mining up to 20 MnT pa Cap once the state sets up an adequate regulatory and monitoring mechanism.
The report, while admitting that the various studies undertaken, show that there has been environmental damage and depletion of ground waters. Panel members are observing that there was large scale landscape degradation, increase in dust pollution in air, water & soil and higher rate of sedimentation of finer particulate matter in aquatic ecosystems.
The state may explore the possibility of setting up a Mineral Corporation or a Government public limited company and strongly recommended that permanent fund be created with such regulatory mechanisms that ensure intergenerational equity.
This committee suggests that mining be permitted for 20 MnT pa with adequate monitoring of impact on different ecological & environmental parameters, which will also help this Committee in its future appraisal,” the report says.
According to the report, mining in the catchment area had adverse impact on the ecosystem.
It says adding that it may not be desirable to start fresh extraction without adequate regulatory and technological measures that ensure restoration of degraded landscapes & ecosystems, and minimize future damage to the environment.
The committee recommended a multi-disciplinary ecological centre in Goa to be established by imposing a ‘cess on the mining activity and also study the feasibility of setting up of pelletization and sintering plants for utilisation of the low grade iron ore be explored.
The Petitioner in the Supreme Court – Goa Foundation has recommended gross capping of 5 MnT annually, while the mining stakeholders has suggested 45-50 MnT pa.
– Sourced
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