Panaji, July 25 (IANS) Operations of 40 out of Goa's 100-odd mines which were running without clearances for the last few years will be cancelled within two weeks, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Wednesday said.
Parrikar told the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly that the 40-plus mines were operating without the required documentation and several mines had even been given dubious environment clearances by the union ministry of environment and forests .
He alleged that the previous Congress-led state government allowed the mines to function, even when they did not follow the norms, rules and regulations.
"I am cancelling all the condonations in a couple of weeks," Parrikar said.
He said that mining was essential but it should not be at the cost of ecology.
"Mining will be a controlled activity and no fly by night activity will be allowed. About 400 traders were given licenses, which we have brought down to 45," Parrikar said, adding that the measure would help curb illegal mining.
