Panaji: The Manohar Parrikar-led Public
Accounts Committee (PAC) on illegal mining in Goa has
recommended to immediately stop extraction and transportation
of ore, carried out in violation of the Forest Clearance Act
(FCA) and the Wildlife Act in the state.
The PAC, it is learnt, has pointed out that there has
been extensive ore extraction by violating these Acts.
The report has indicted forest department officials for
not acting despite having information about these illegalities
by mine owners.
Also, the forest officials were in the know of the FCA
and the Wildlife Act but refused to act against the unlawful
activities, it said.
"There is a direct reference to forest officials and it
has been suggested that they also should be investigated,"
high-level sources said.
"Detailed enquiries need to be carried out to know how
the lapses have occurred and how responsibility is to be fixed
on erring officials of the forest department," the report
said.
Sources said the PAC has recommended punitive action of
exemplary nature against defaulting extractors.
The PAC report, which was submitted to the Legislative
Assembly Speaker has run into controversy after Congress
legislators refused to sign it.
There is uncertainty whether the Speaker would place it on
the floor of the House tomorrow, the last day for the session.
PTI
