TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Even as uncertainty continues to loom over resumption of iron ore mining activities in the coming season in October, the state Environment Department has warned of cancel environment clearances (ECs) issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), if leases found to be involved in any violations.
The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) are being entrusted with the task of ensuring that lease holders don’t violate any rules, granting ECs, Consent to Operate and lease renewals.
The stringent directions are issued following MoEF directives. MoEF on March 20 lifted the abeyance on EC of 72 mining leases, which were under suspension since September 2012. Of the total 72, DMG has allowed 61 mining leases fresh iron ore extraction on pro-rata basis to fit into the cap of 20 million tons annually, as per Supreme Court directives.
“If any violations are observed in the future, the ECs will be cancelled as per the rules,” the order issued by Environment Director Srinet Kothwale reads. The department has said that any violations would be dealt as per the law and lifting of abeyance on ECs by the MoEF will not in any manner affect this.
The Environment Department has directed DMG and GSPCB to ensure that the capping limit laid down by the Supreme Court is not exceeded and if any such violations are reported then action as per the law, including suspension of Consent to Operate and cancellation of EC may be initiated. The state authorities are asked to develop and implement a credible mechanism to regular monitor and ensure that 20 million ton cap is adhered to.
The Supreme Court appointed six-member committee has already submitted its final report on capping of iron ore in the state, which according to sources has increased the cap from 20 million tons to 35 million tons. The petition on illegal mining by Goa Foundation is likely to come up for further hearing in July.
Even as the state government is anxiously making all out efforts requesting Union Mines Ministry to allow dumping of iron ore rejects outside the lease area, the Environment Department has made it clear that ‘dumping of material outside the mining lease is not permitted unless mentioned in mining plan and EC.
Kothwale has directed DMG and GSPCB to ensure that materials are not dumped outside the lease areas. State already has around 750 million tons of iron ore rejects lying on various lease areas and outside the permitted boundaries.
