It is reported that Goa Government has taken a decision to close all mines located in less than a kilometer from wildlife sanctuaries. The said decision is likely to affect nearly one third of Goa's 163 licensed mines that are located near sanctuaries and is expected to have an adverse impact on state's iron ore trade with China.
Recently, the state government has guaranteed to close down all mining companies that continue excavation even after their permits lapsed.
Speaking at the budget session of the Goa legislative assembly, Mr Sequeira said that his ministry had received several complaints from the forest department, which said that there were several mines functioning within one kilometer of a wildlife sanctuary. Mr Sequeira told the house that "The Goa State Pollution Control Board has received letters from the forest department mentioning certain mines located within a kilometer of wildlife sanctuaries,"
The minister however did not specify the exact number of mines in the vicinity of the wildlife sanctuaries. But he said that "I assure the house, that within seven days, air and water consent given to these mines will be withdrawn and they will be directed to stop.”
Moreover, the state government is planning to set a joint committee headed by the state forest commissioner to closely monitor environment conditions before granting any permission.
(Sourced from Economic Times)
