Digambar for stern action against firms found faulty

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-08-19
PANAJI — The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Monday, providing a concrete assurance to the House that he would take a stern action against those involved in illegal mining in Goa, and table a related report in the House, before the end of the monsoon session of the assembly, said that the government will also request the Union Finance Ministry to restart the permit system for export of mining products.
Refuting allegations from the Leader of the Opposition, that the government was shielding the illegal mining operations in the state, the Chief Minister said that he has already constituted a committee, which includes the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Income Tax, to keep a check on the mining operations in the state.
The committee will request the Union Finance Ministry to make permits compulsory for the exporters of mining products; a system which was followed earlier, he added.
Speaking further, Mr Kamat said that the government has also appointed a task force under the Collectors of respective districts of the state, for the purpose.
“The agencies for implementing and enforcing the rules and regulations for mining are well defined,” he pointed out. The Chief Minister informed that the figures of the mining exports are made available by the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association, and are cross-checked from the Mormugao Port Trust as well as the Customs.
He also maintained that the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) clearance for mines is given under the Environment Protection Act, and if any mine is operating without the EIA clearance, then the Chief Conservator of Forests has an authority to close down such mines. The Chief Minister informed the House that a Draft Mining Policy has been prepared and would be put up before the MLAs as well as members of the public for deliberation. “Let there be a debate as to whether agriculture has to be given a priority over mining,” he concluded.