House Com recommends CBI probe into illegal mining
PTI, PANAJI | 21 July 2010 19:11 IST
Goa Legislative Assembly’s ad hoc committee on mining has recommended that a central agency like Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) should probe into illegal mining activity.
"A detailed investigation by an independent and competent body such as the state vigilance department with efficient co-operation and co-ordination of the CBI, police and administration should undertake the matter seriously to prevent illegal mining activities," the report tabled on the floor of the House today reads.
Congress legislator, Pandurang Madkaikar, is chairing the ad hoc committee, which has presented its report to Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly.
Illegal mining activity had earned ire from opposition benches to Digamber Kamat-led government during the last assembly session.
The report has suggested that there should be measures against the illegal mining, which needs to be taken up on war-footing.
"The current provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act 1957 needed to be amended immediately to prevent illegal mining," the report suggests.
Madkaikar committee states that continuing mining over a long period of time without the renewal of the mining leases has become a potential source for serious illegalities and irregularities.
Why is the Chief Minister and his other colleagues silent and inactive over this vital issue spoiling Goa just for loot by a few?
The Mining has devastated the Pale-Bicholim area and made the life of the people miserable. It has polluted our drinking water, it has caused untold miseries due to dust pollution, it has generated artificial craters, it has depleted the ground water, it has damaged the fertile land, it has damaged the roads, it has caused numerous accidents resulting in loss of many innocent lives,! Why are the politicians in power silent and inactive? Is it because many of them are involved in the illegal mining? Shame on the people who elect such people who are out to destroy this beautiful land and its people!