The Goa government should expedite processes to resume mining in the state as thousands of people are jobless after the closure of the industry nearly two years ago, retired IAS officer and former chairman of the Mormugao Port Trust Aravind Bhatikar said.
“As lessees have to follow many procedures with the Union ministry of environment and forest (MOEF), Indian bureau of mines (IBM) and other agencies of the state government to get required permissions, licences and consents, it is absolutely necessary to expedite the process of granting leases,” Bhatikar said.
“If leases are renewed today, getting the go ahead from clearing agencies like IBM pollution control boards would take more than three months in the most optimistic scenario. Add to this the additional responsibilities given to the state government by the Supreme Court of ensuring sustainable mining. So the right time is now to renew the leases,” former DG of mines safety Satish Puri said.
The Times of India
