Goa Pollution control board to issue notices to mines without forest clearances

The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has decided to issue notice to mining units, who have failed to produce NoC from Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) and permission under Forest Conservation Act, 1980 to suspend mining operations. GSPCB told this to the High Court in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Goa Foundation (GF) on Wednesday, when the petition came up for hearing before a Division Bench of Justices S A Bobde and F M Reis.

Adv Norma Alvares who appeared on behalf of the petitioner submitted a list containing names of 19 mines that are operating without air and water consent. This also include names of three mining companies including Dempo Mining Corporation Pvt Ltd, operating from Mulgao. Two days back Mulgao witnessed total destruction of agriculture when a mining dump collapsed.

In a view of submission made by GSPCB, High Court has given a two weeks time to initiate action against mines in operation without air and water consent, and also file an action taken report while posting the matter for next hearing on August 3.

Of the 91 working mines , 19 are operating without air and water consent. It is also the contention of the petitioner that the NOCs granted by CWW and Forest clearances are not in accordance with law. It has further contended that CWW is not the authority to grant NOCs and appropriate authority is standing committee of National Wild Life where the activities are within 10 kms from the boundary of wildlife sanctuary .

In this regard, Forest department has intimidated the Board that CWW has started issuing permissions after obtaining legal opinion from the government.