PANJIM, DEC 22
A mining firm alleged to be violating environmental norms near Netravali wildlife sanctuary told the state government today that they have been extracting the ore to the permitted capacity.
Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) was informed by M/s A X Poi Palondicar mining firm that they have not exceeded the capacity of manganese ore and they are extracting only that much quantity as permitted by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). The firm is currently extracting manganese ore with a capacity of 1,800 MT per year.
GSPCB Chairman Simon Dsouza said that the mining firm has clarified that they are not going ahead with their planned expanded capacity that is 10,000 MT per year as their proposal has been refused by the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL).
“Prima face it looks like they are not violating the law but we need to investigate the matter further,” D’Souza said after the hearing.
GSPCB had issued show cause notice to M/s A X Poi Palondicar last month after an NGO alleged that the firm was extracting ore despite refusal of permission by NBWL.
Accordingly, the company was called for hearing today morning, where they submitted the documents which clearly stated that they had environmental clearance from MoEF over extraction of ore upto 1,800 MT per year.
“However, they do not have clearness for the expansion nor for extraction of iron ore,” D’Souza said adding that the firm has cleared that they are also not extracting iron ore.
The 18th meeting of standing committee of NBWL had rejected the proposal by M/s A X Poi Palondicar for production of Iron Ore with the production capacity of 0.20 MTPA and expansion in the capacity of manganese ore.
The committee had directed Goa chief Wildlife Warden to stop the said mine, which is operating near Netravali Wildlife sanctuary.
Accordingly, Goa chief Wildlife Warden had directed the South Goa division to carry out inspection of the said mine. However, the department failed to point out whether the mining firm has violated the laws.
The Committee was of the view that, mining activities, even though outside protected areas would have negative impacts on the Wildlife in the sanctuary as well on bio-diversity and environment.
