TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad, which has been commissioned to conduct an environment impact study (EIS) on mining operations in Goa, has submitted its report to Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), that would be placed before SC, when the matter would be heard in February, next year.
MoEF had assigned ISM the study following allegations of illegal mining in Goa. The report has been prepared after conducting field visits to nearly 105 mines ~ working and non-working. Sources confirmed that the report, which speaks about the pollution level and the need for capping iron ore export, has been submitted to MoEF.
EIS principal investigator Gurdeep Singh, who was in Goa, last month to hold a workshop on regional environmental impact assessment study on mining, while interacting with media had said that the study found high air pollution in the state’s mining rich talukas. It also found that the figure of 45 million tonnes of iron ore exports from Goa is too high and has recommend capping of iron ore excavation in the state.
ISM will also recommend replacement of existing trucks with larger carrying capacity trucks to reduce air pollution and traffic. ISM will also suggest alternatives to mining for those dependent on mining for their livelihood.
