TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Only twelve out of a total 118 mining leases have submitted their differential global positioning system (DGPS) survey report to the Directorate of Mines and Geology till Wednesday. Today was the last day for submission of the report. The balance 102 mining leases have sought additional time to submit the DGPS survey.
Assistant Director of Mines Parag Nagarcekar confirmed that only 12 mining lease holders have submitted their survey report even though all the working mines have completed DGPS survey, which will help authorities to zero-in on the illegalities outside the mining leases.
Nagarcekar said that the balance lease holders have sought time to submit the same. However, the department is yet to give any extension, he said.
The DGPS survey will help Mines department in ascertaining the boundaries of the mining leases and violations by the mining operators. The analysis has been done as per the directives of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). In May, Mines department via a circular directed all mining firms to carry out DGPS survey of all working mining leases by July 29 and were asked to furnish the same by August 14.
The findings of the survey would be matched with the satellite images procured from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which has already submitted Goa-related data to the state government. The maps from the local survey department will also be considered to identify exact violation by the mine owners.
Around eight agencies had entrusted with the task of completing the DGPS survey. Justice M B Shah Commission in its report on illegal mining in Goa had pointed out to encroachments by mining firms. Total 100 mining leases were issued show cause notices by Mines department over illegal encroachments.
