Land-use experts recommend task force to regulate mining
PTI, PANAJI | 22 October 2011 23:41 IST
The land-use experts in Goa have recommended formation of a task force by the state government to regulate mining leases and to address important issues like buffer zone between wildlife sanctuaries and extraction sites.
Regional Plan (RP) 2021, a document, which details the land use patter for the state, has suggested that Goa should form a task force to decide on the issue related to the open-cast mining executed near wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and forests.
Senior town planner S Putturaju, who was the part of committee that notified RP 2021, said that the buffer zone of one kilometer has been suggested in the final plans.
RP 2021 has recommended that no mines, other than the 117 shown in the maps, should be allowed to operate at least till 2021, if existing the mines do not close their operations, with proper reclaiming initiatives.
"But it is for the state government to decide, by appointing a task force," he said.
Goa has total 336 valid mining leases, which can be operated, if they receive permission from the authorities.
Putturaju said that all the leases, besides the 117, have been properly listed in the plan.
Howver, the mining industry had expressed fears that the non-inclusion of other mining leases in the plan would mean that they would not be allowed to operate even after getting permissions.
He added that the plan has a "general" observation on the mining industry, based on the data given by State Mines and Geology Department.
"The specific details have to be decided by government through task-force," he added.
Will the Task Force will be appointed by the same people connected with Mining...? The easy money has very long reach and make what appears as un ethical and totally detrimental for the State---to appear all legal......Only God could take care of the State and it's people....