HC seeks report on mining pollution control at Shrigao
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 8
The Bombay High Court at Goa on Thursday directed Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to file a compliance report of its (the court’s) directions (issued on February 23, 2010) by August 31.
The High Court had directed three mining companies M/s Dempo Mining Corporation Pvt Ltd, M/s Rajaram Bandekar (Shrigao) Mines and M/s Chowgule & Company Pvt Ltd, to take remedial measures in the mining affected areas of Shrigao.
They were ordered to construct recharge trenches to control seepage of water into mining pits; provide adequate slope stabilization in the mining areas to minimize run-off of mining rejects to the nearby agriculture fields; and take measures for bio-remediation of silted soils.
Earlier, under section 33 (A) of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) had ordered the three companies to immediately implement recommendations suggested by it for containing mining pollution. They were warned that legal action as per provisions of section 33 (A) of the Act, will be initiated against them.
The Act also has provision to shut down units that do not comply with the orders. The GSPCB issued directions to mining companies following a report by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.
During hearing of the case, on February 24, GSPCB had sought six months time to ensure that its recommendations were implemented.
The six months period ends next month and therefore will have to file compliance report next month about the progress made by mining companies in implementing the recommendations.
