CM accuses centre for illegal mining in Goa

PTI, PANAJI | 23 July 2012 13:56 IST

chief minister Manohar Parrikar today said that the central government was responsible for illegal mining in the state as it gave environment clearances for the projects without verifying basic facts.

"The central government is the main perpetrator of illegal mining in Goa. They have given environmental clearances without confirming as to who was the mining lease holder and who was the contractor," Parrikar told the state legislative assembly today.

He also said that while the state bears the brunt of environmental degradation due to mining, the revenue in term of taxes is enjoyed by the central government.

In an indirect reference to the letters by Union Ministry of Environment and Forest and the Ministry of Mines to the state government, Parrikar said that the ministries are now 'talking big' even though they are responsible for the illegalities.

The chief minister alleged that the union ministries are dashing letters to the state government to see that they are not held responsible by the Justice M B Shah Commission which is enquiring into the illegal iron ore and manganese mining in the country, including Goa.


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Goa Iron Ore Mining Growth Story

Over the last eighteen months, there has been much debate on the rampant increase in iron ore mining in Goa. Due to the relentless efforts of honourable activists, both in Goa and outside, the matter besieged media and social attention, raising questions about the state of affairs, the government and many large industrial houses in the state. Public has been flooded with a lot of opinion, but the multiple and varied voices have left lingering doubts in people’s minds, who may not realise they have access to data. If someone makes the effort, data is not unavailable in the public domain, and if one can make that effort, it is not difficult to analyse whether and where the impact is.

Activists and public enthusiasts have pointed out that rampant and uncontrolled growth of the industry within Goa has put tremendous pressure on Goa, stretching its infrastructure to the breaking point. This increase in production and exports of Goa origin ore from Goa, they point out, has disturbed daily life, increased pollution, jeopardised road safety, and endangered ecological balance, in general.

Examining the past few years’ exports data clearly indicates a marked increase in production and exports of Goan iron ore from Goa since the so-called China boom. It is interesting to note that the increase in exports in Goa is restricted to a few (or one, as the case is) players. While the growth in most players has been uniform hovering less than 10%, with the exception of Chowgule group, and other minor exporters, exhibiting negative growth, the Fomento group has recorded a stupendous 56% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) in the last five years, with a increase in exports by six-fold in Goa origin iron ore. Compared to that, Sesa Goa, part of the Vedanta group since April 2007 has recorded a moderate growth of 16% in the same period, after considering that it has acquired the Dempo group in 2009-10. It is interesting to note further that the Fomento group has seen a growth in exports of 119% in one year when the incremental growth in Goan ore exports is 3%. In 2010-11, while overall Goan ore exports increased by 1.13 million tonnes, a marginal increase, Fomento group’s individual increase was 6.41 million tonnes.

The analysis is based on annual data, from 2006-07 to 2010-11, published by the Goan Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association (GMOEA).

- Micheal Lobo, Goa | 24 th July 2012 12:55

 

This is why India wants Goa to be in the Indian Union. For the last 50 years this is going on. If Goa was not rich, they would have given us Independence like Bangladesh.How can the Central Government give permission to do mining in Goa without checking if it is going to damage the environment ? The officials concerned with this should be brought to book. I am sure they must have taken bribes from the mining companies.Mr. Parrikar please tell Goans now whether they should fight for Special Status or Independence.

- A. Pinto, Olaulim | 23 rd July 2012 17:16

 

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