It is reported that the Goa government facing mounting criticism over the mining scam is likely to revoke clearances given to 19 iron ore mines operating within the 10 kilometers protected zones around wildlife sanctuaries.

This follows a directive from the Union environment ministry two days ago asking the state to act against mines operating within the 10 kilometers buffer zones without the approval of the National Board of Wildlife. A 2006 Supreme Court ruling says all mines need approval from the board to operate within these eco-sensitive zones.

Mr Digambar Kamat Goa chief minister who has held the mines portfolio for 12 years has so far not taken any action against mines operating in the protected areas.

In fact, the Goa government has in the last four years granted clearances to mines in the buffer zones without the board nod and defended its decision saying the state advocate general legal opinion was that clearance from state forest officials was sufficient.

HT has, in a series of reports revealed how nearly half the mines in Goa's forests do not have wildlife clearances and how illegal mining has cost the state INR 3,000 crore with some estimates putting this figure at INR10,000 crore.

The principal chief conservator of forests, Mr Shashi Kumar confirmed that action would be taken. He said that "We are likely to revoke the clearances soon as we have got written communication from the Centre asking us to close down one such mine. The same grounds apply to other, similar mines."

The one mine that was shut in August this year belonged to Rajaram Bandekar and is situated 3 kilometers from the Netralvali wildlife sanctuary.

(Sourced from www.hindustantimes.com)