TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed mining firms to submit a detailed report on the steps initiated by them to implement the mining management plan as per the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957 and Mineral Concession Rules 1960 in the mass action suit for compensation from mining damage.
The directions have been issued in a petition filed by non-government organisation Goa Paryavaran Savrakshan Sangharsh Samiti, against 25 mining companies.
NGT has directed all mining companies to submit replies indicating the steps taken by them to implement the mining management plan, which is required to be carried out by the mining lease holder or operators of the mines.
The firms have also been directed to give the time frame for compliance. “It shall also indicate to what extent the issues have been addressed as contemplated in the management plan and the timeframe within which they seek to comply with the relevant issues enumerated in management plan,” the order stated. The matter has now been fixed for August 6.
The firms’ plans have to include details such as extent of mineral body, geology, mineral reserves, extent of mechanization, plan of area indicating water course, water pollution, system to address environmental issues, plan and restoration of mines areas etc. The mining management plan will become an extremely vital document for scientific development of mineral deposits and management thereafter.
