Says that with interest the amount adds up to Rs 35,780 crore
From November 21, 2007 till September 10, 2012 is the period in question
Green Foundation offers assistance in this context
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The Goa Foundation has written to Goa chief secretary, reminding him about the recovery of illegal mining money which is approximately Rs 25,149 crore. With 12 per cent interest burden, this amounts adds up to Rs 35,780 crore ~ money to be made from sale of iron ore from mining leases, found operating without a valid lease from November 2007 till September 2012.
Referring to the Supreme Court judgement of April 21, 2014, Writ Petition No 435/2012, the NGO reminded that the Supreme Court has held that mining lessees in Goa operated their leases illegally from the period of November 21, 2007 till September 10, 2012.
‘Mining cannot be carried out in the absence of a valid mining lease. Under the provisions of the MMDR Act and MCR rules, Government must commence the process of recovery of the amounts that have accrued to the mining lease holders through illegal mining operations during the period specified above,’ says the communique sent to the government by Goa Foundation Director Claude Alvares. He added that he was including a note which indicates the amounts to be recovered.
Goa Foundation has also offered to assist with any further action needed in this context, “including providing any additional clarifications your office may require.”
According to the NGO, the Supreme Court has found that deemed extension of leases for mining post November 21, 2007 is illegal. This applies to almost all mines in Goa. And this implied that around five years of mining activity and ore extraction was illegal as no mining can be carried out without a valid lease.
Also there are some 42 condonation cases that the Shah Commission and PAC pointed out as illegal. The Goa Government has already declared that it is prosecuting these cases. To the extent that these are found illegal, the mining activity and extraction will be illegal from the day of condonation.
Stating that there is a mood in the State among the general public that there should be recovery of illegally earned money and for punitive action to be taken under the criminal laws against the persons responsible for this state of affairs, the NGO argued that the people want rich thieves to be treated like any other thief with full compensation or jail term, alleging that the chief minister is proposing a penalty to legalize or regularize the illegal.
