Panel calls for probe on illegal mining

Panel calls for probe on illegal mining
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 20
The Ad Hoc Committee (ADC) has recommended that the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) should conduct a fact finding study of the illegal mining activities, if any, and also investigate and study the modalities of the illegal mechanism.
The ADC has also suggested that CEC should come out with remedial measures that could be implemented to check violations of the Mines and Minerals (Development) Act, 1957 and Forest Conservation Act (FCA), 1980.
The ADC in its report which was presented in the House today has recommended that there should not be administrative delay in deciding the renewal application for mining. It has pointed out that the continuing mining over a long period of time without the renewal of the mining leases is a potential source for serious illegalities and irregularities.
And therefore, the scheme of the newly designed transit passes for use by those transporting minerals from the mining areas to other places in the State and inter-State should be undertaken expeditiously.
It has further suggested that investigation through a competent authority in co-ordination with Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) should be undertaken to prevent the illegal mining activities in the State.
The State Government however maintained that effective measures have been initiated to keep on illegal mining. The department of Mines has constituted two flying squads for North Goa and South Goa to conduct surprise checks. Besides, Monitoring committee set-up by the government is also in operation.
It is also consideration of the government to track the source of illegal mining, if any, to introduce the system of movement permits as followed in other States. There are about 100 mining leases in operation in the State.
Furthermore, to tighten two exit points — Mormugao and Panjim Ports from where the ore is exported, to insist upon the exporters on the movements permits issued by the department of mines at the time of presentation of the shipping bills or before allowing sailing of the vessels.
However, the proposal was not accepted by the Ministry of Finance and the State Government has now approached the Ministry of Shipping and Industry, to consider issuing instructions to MPT for insistence of movement permits before allowing the vessels to sail.