Goa to probe MoEF for mining clearances
PTI, PANAJI | 01 September 2012 23:48 IST
The BJP-led Goa Government has informed the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests that inquiry would be conducted against all the officers who gave green clearances to mines in the state in a "questionable manner".
In a letter to Union Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar questioned some of the clearances by the Union Ministry.
"My attention has been invited by the government machinery to some of the environmental clearances granted by your ministry; some of which have been granted in a very questionable manner," said the August 24 letter.
"I am contemplating institution of inquiry or referring the matter to appropriate forum so that all these matters are resolved in order that the rule of law can be upheld in the state," Parrikar said in the letter.
Recently, the Chief Minister had announced in the state Assembly that central officers who gave dubious clearances would face the music.
The letter also claimed that illegal mining of iron ore in Goa had stopped after Parrikar took over the reins in March this year.
