Mr Digamber Kamat chief minister of Goa conceded that almost 25% of stone quarrying carried out in the coastal state’s remote talukas, known for its thick forest cover is illegal.

The reply tabled on the floor of the House mentions that of the total 108 laterite stone quarries found in operation, only 83 are holding valid licenses.

Mr Kamat, who holds the mining portfolio, was responding to a question tabled by BJP legislator Ramesh Tawadkar during the four day winter session which began today at Porvorim.

The state government, which was cornered by Opposition on illegal iron ore mining during the last assembly session, admitted that illegal quarrying is going on in the remote talukas of Pernem, Sanguem, Sattari and Bicholim.

The record indicates that only one illegal quarry is existing in coastal Salcette taluka, which was sealed by the department. Mr Kamat said that of 25 illegal quarries, enquiries are on in eight cases while in 17, action has been initiated.

In a case reported in Sattari taluka, the state authorities are yet to identify the miner as all the labourers fled during the surprise inspection carried by the department officials. In 12 cases, the state government has sealed the machinery from the site.

(Sourced from manoramaonline.com)