“It has been decided by the Ministry that the ECs issued under Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 1994 and EIA notification 2006, to lift the suspension of ECs of the 72 leases and that they would not require any fresh ECs at the time of renewal,” the MoEF order issued by scientist Dr U Sridharan reads. The State government has already renewed 88 mining leases under Mines and Minerals Development Regulation (MMDR) Act.
MoEF has clarified that the State government’s request for lifting of suspension imposed on ECs was examined by the Ministry, taking into account the recommendations of its constituted Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) report and directions of the Supreme Court.
Of the total 137 mining leases, whose ECs were kept in abeyance on September 14, 2012, the ECs of 18 leases have been cancelled since they are in protected areas such as wildlife sanctuaries and national park. Of these 13 leases belong to Kantilal and Co Pvt Ltd. Almost all the mines are located in the Netravali Wildlife sanctuary, while one is located in the Mhadei sanctuary.
The MoEF has also withdrawn ECs of two mining leases – Sesa Goa Ltd and Shree Jaisin Maganlal, for submission of false data pertaining to the natural resources in their Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
At the same time, ECs of 23 mining leases, located within one kilometer of the buffer zone, are under consideration for lifting the ban only after the modification of the Supreme Court order dated August 4, 2006 that has prohibited mining within the one km buffer zone. The Ministry has said that these 23 mining leases will have to be phased out within 10 years. These leases are located in the Netravali and Bhagwan Mahavir santuaries. Also, MoEF has prepared a list of 22 mining leases, which are located in the forest land and have not obtained forest clearances and hence their ECs continue to remain in abeyance. The lifting of the suspensions would be considered only after obtaining forest clearance.
The names of mining companies in the list of 72 leases, whose ECs were kept in abeyance and are now lifted include five leases belonging to Pandurang Timblo industries, five belonging to Sociedade Timblo Irmaos, seven belonging to Chowgule and company, four of Sesa Goa, three mines of Dempo Mining (now with Sesa Goa), three of Damodar Mangalji and two belonging to Salgocar Brother Pvt ltd. The other mining companies include Bandekar Brothers, Raghuvir Sinai Gharse, Cosme Costa, Lithoferrao, Kadnekar mines, H L Nathurmal, Shantilal Khushaldas Bros amongst others.
The Ministry has directed the State government to develop and implement a credible mechanism to regularly monitor and ensure that capping of 20 million tonnes per annum on the mining leases in the State implemented as per the directions of the Supreme Court.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS
• ECs of 137 mining leases kept in abeyance by MoEF on Sept 14, 2012
• MoEF lifts suspension on ECs of 72 mining leases
• ECs of 18 leases cancelled for existing fully or partially in protected areas
• 23 mining leases located in one km buffer zone, to be phased out in 10 years. Lifting of ECs suspension to be considered only if SC modifies its 2006 order
• 22 mining leases fall in forest area and are without forest clearance. Decision on them only after obtaining ECs
• ECs of two leases withdrawn for producing false information in the EIA
• Validity of EC stands until expiry of mining leases
• ECs to be cancelled if lessee found involved in violations
