The Goa Government today issued a notification asking all the 90 mines to suspend operations with immediate effect.

The State Mines and Geology Department issued this notification directing the mines to stop their operations.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told PTI that the mines would not be allowed to operate, if they were found to be carrying out work without the necessary permissions.

The mine owners have been asked to submit their documents before they could start operations.

The notification states that the mine owners need to submit all the documents including permissions from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

He also said that seven officers of Mines and Geology Department have been suspended pending inquiry.

Justice M.B. Shah Commission, in its report had claimed that all the 90 mines operating in the state were illegal as they did not have the permission from National Board for Wildlife. The NBW permission is required as a part of Environment Clearance (EC).

The Shah Commission has said that Goa’s iron ore mining scam is worth nearly Rs 35,000 crore.

comment COMMENT NOW