SC ‘expert panel’ wants Goa iron ore mining cut from 53 to 20 mt
14 Feb 2014 12:09 AM GMT
The committee, which met on Wednesday, has suggested mining of 20 million tonnes of iron ore, though the stakeholders had demanded the capping to be between 45 and 50 million tonnes. The capping would be implemented only after Supreme Court vacates its current ban on the exports imposed owing to the allegations of illegal mining.
The committee members, including ecologist C R Babu, geologist S C Dhiman, mineralogist Proffesor B K Mishra, forest officer S Parmeshwarappa and Goa secretary Parimal Rai met various government officials on Wednesday, before deciding on the figure. The six-member committee will submit its report to the apex court by 15 February.
Sources said the committee has decided the capping considering the ore resources available in the state and its carrying capacity, keeping in mind the principles of sustainable development and inter-generational equity and all other relevant factors.
Goa, which has rich resources of iron ore and other minerals, had to stop mining in the state in October, 2012, after the Supreme Court banned it.
The ban followed Justice M B Shah Commission report which assessed the loss to the exchequer due to illegal mining at Rs 35,000 crore.
State revenue declined by 25 per cent to Rs 4,500 crore from the levels of Rs 6,000 crore due to the ban, while cost on items, including electricity and salary and wages, rose by 30 per cent. Goa Chief Minister Parrikar had criticised Justice M B Shah Commission report on Goa.
‘That is very casually drawn conclusion. I do agree with losses, I am not saying that I don’t agree with any of his conclusions but I did not agree with his valuation. Rs 35,000 crore is value of the iron ore he is indicating, it is not loss to the exchequer, ‘ he had said.
The committee members, including ecologist C R Babu, geologist S C Dhiman, mineralogist Proffesor B K Mishra, forest officer S Parmeshwarappa and Goa secretary Parimal Rai met various government officials on Wednesday, before deciding on the figure. The six-member committee will submit its report to the apex court by 15 February.
Sources said the committee has decided the capping considering the ore resources available in the state and its carrying capacity, keeping in mind the principles of sustainable development and inter-generational equity and all other relevant factors.
Goa, which has rich resources of iron ore and other minerals, had to stop mining in the state in October, 2012, after the Supreme Court banned it.
The ban followed Justice M B Shah Commission report which assessed the loss to the exchequer due to illegal mining at Rs 35,000 crore.
State revenue declined by 25 per cent to Rs 4,500 crore from the levels of Rs 6,000 crore due to the ban, while cost on items, including electricity and salary and wages, rose by 30 per cent. Goa Chief Minister Parrikar had criticised Justice M B Shah Commission report on Goa.
‘That is very casually drawn conclusion. I do agree with losses, I am not saying that I don’t agree with any of his conclusions but I did not agree with his valuation. Rs 35,000 crore is value of the iron ore he is indicating, it is not loss to the exchequer, ‘ he had said.
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