Illegal mining: 8 mines in Goa to be issued court notice

Panaji: Goa Mines and Geology Department will issue notices to 8 mining units after state-appointed Shah Commission alleged large-scale irregularities by these mines.

Justice M B Shah, who personally visited few of the mines, has pointed out the irregularities, official sources of the department said. However, Director of the department Arvind Lolienkar refused to comment on the issue.

A team of Shah Commission is currently camping in Goa and visiting all the 90-odd mining leases. During his visit last week, Shah had visited couple of mines.

Out of the eight mines, few are run by Congress politicians in the state, they said.

Shah, during his visit had inspected two mines - Sesa Goa’s Mulgao mine and Timblo’s Cuddegal mine, where mishaps had occurred during the ongoing rainy season.

Meanwhile, eight teams of Shah Commission, headed by panel member U V Singh, are conducting extensive survey of mines in the state. Singh, who had left Goa along with Shah on Monday, will be returning on Thursday.

Noted environmentalist Ramesh Gawas said they have full faith in Shah Commission inquiry.

“There are places like Shirgao, where entire village is facing threat due to mining. We will bring such cases to the notice of the commission,” he said.

The NGOs and civil society activists have already submitted their pleas and detailed documents against illegal mining to Justice Shah.

PTI