Mining to resume only after dealing with illegalities legally

PTI, PANAJI | 04 October 2012 22:32 IST

In a move that spells further trouble for the mining industry in Goa, the Manohar Parrikar Government has decided not to allow mining activity until the findings of the Public Accounts Committee and Justice M.B. Shah Commission on illegalities are dealt with in accordance with law.

The Government has stated this resolve in a confidential Cabinet Note circulated to its members, the copy of which is with PTI.

The Goa Government had temporarily suspended all mining activities in the state last month, after an expert panel formed by the federal government found “serious illegalities and irregularities” in mining operations. There’s however no ban on the movement of iron ore already produced and stored at ports or in transit.

“The State Government has proposed not to permit resumption of mining in the State of Goa, till such time as the findings of the Public Accounts Committee and Justice Shah Commission of Inquiry, are adequately remedied and dealt with in accordance with law,” the note reads.

As per the note, the decision about non-resumption is based on the legal opinion given by the state Advocate General.

A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar decided not to withdraw the suspension till the issues raised by the two committees are taken to their logical end.

Parrikar was the Leader of Opposition when the PAC headed by him exposed large-scale illegalities and irregularities in the state’s iron ore mining industry. A few months later, Justice M.B. Shah Commission in its report tabled on the floor of the House echoed similar observations.

The State Government had yesterday appointed Justice (retd) R.M. Khandeparkar Committee to investigate the illegalities cited by the Shah panel in its report.

Meanwhile, the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association (GMOEA) has termed the setting up of the committee as a move to further delay the resumption of the mining activity.

Parrikar had claimed that his Government will allow immediate restarting of mining operations, provided the miners submit all relevant legal documents required for the extraction of ore.

GMOEA, which represents majority of the mine owners and exporters, is wary that stoppage of mining activity will spell trouble for the iron ore rich belt, which is entirely dependent on this activity as an economic activity.

“Mining operations in Goa have been kept under suspension for close to a month now and many ancillary units have been having a difficult time and pressing for restarting mines at the earliest,” it said.


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Though its a hit for people dependent on mining's. The illegal mining's cannot be continued. Government should recover money as mentioned in the shah report and compensate the mining dependent people and should start the process of closure of mines. The process and laws are laid down for closure of mines.

Parrikar who was talking about illegal mining and came to power becoz of anti mining votes is now all set to legalize the illegal mines too. The most of the legal mining area is Goa is already over. The issue remains only with the dumps piled over the years. Government should take over it and auction it in open.

The committee appointed to advice the remedies to start the mining looks to be an mere eyewash. The question remains why not acting directly on Shah Report and why government want a separate committee to investigate the findings from the report. The probe should be through CBI or SIT or through Lokayukt. The culprits should be behind bars and money should be recovered. Else there is no point.

- Deepu, Goa | 05 th October 2012 14:40

 

Mr Parrikar, please do not bend the rules to satisfy the mining lobby. They will pressurize you. Do not start the mining in Goa. Mining is for the benefits of chosen few families of Goa. It does not help much to Aam Aadmi. Presently, No need of mining for Goa. Instead focus on other industries such as, tourism, pharmaceuticals, IT, education etc. once the permission for mining is given, then illegal mining will continue. It will be hard to control illegal mining. the best bet is STOP illegal mining in Goa. Let people realize that they can do without mining and they can survive without mining too. It is a matter of time.

- Ratikant, UAE | 05 th October 2012 00:13

 

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