PANJIM: Even as the Supreme Court lifted the 18-month ban on mining operations in Goa bringing hope to lakhs of mining-dependent people, the temporary suspension order imposed by the Manohar Parrikar-led BJP government on September 10, 2012 stands, effectively nullifying the SC verdict. The Apex Court has, however, allowed the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) suspension of environment clearances (ECs) of 139 mining leases to stay.
The Court in its order issued Monday afternoon has made it clear that the orders of the State government issued on September 10 and MoEF order issued on September 14, 2012 are not liable to be quashed.
“The deemed mining leases of the lessees in Goa expired on 22.11.1987 and the maximum of 20 years renewal period of the deemed mining leases in Goa expired on 22.11.2007 and consequently mining by the lessees after 22.11.2007 was illegal and hence the impugned order dated 10.09.2012 of Government of Goa and the impugned order dated 14.09.2012 of the MoEF are not liable to be quashed,” the order issued by the three-member SC Bench reads.
“As such the order of the Government of Goa and the order of the MoEF will have to continue till decisions are taken by the State Government to grant fresh leases and decisions are taken by the MoEF to grant fresh environmental clearances for mining projects,” it added.
After the Justice MB Shah Commission of inquiry submitted its report on illegal mining in Goa exposing a Rs 35,000 crore scam, the State government suspended mining operations of 93 mining leases until the legality of their operations were ascertained. The mining lease owners were directed to submit documents including necessary permissions from MoEF and Union Mines Ministry. Government had even constituted a committee headed by Chief Secretary to examine the documents and clear all those lease proposals whose documents were in order.
Chief Minister was on record to say that even if the Supreme Court allows mining, State will not go ahead unless a comprehensive plan is put in place. He had even said that government will await report from National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) before allowing fresh extraction and new mining leases.
