Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Digamber
Kamat on Friday assured to ban illegal mines in the state after
the Opposition continued their onslaught against state
government's alleged protection to unauthorised mining.
Kamat said that the government would not entertain any
illegal mines in Goa and hold respective state government
department heads responsible, if they shield the illegalities.
Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar unleashing a
volley of allegations against the state government backed by
data castigated the Chief Minister for ignoring the illegal
mining and said that almost 18 percent of ore exported was
through illegal extraction.
Parrikar pointed out to the tabulated data tabled on
the floor which clearly specified difference between the ore
extracted and exported from the state.
"Why is the government not acting against the illegal
mining?" the former Chief Minister questioned.
The Leader of Opposition alleged that the state
government was hand in gloves with these offenders who
disrespect state's fragile ecology.
Analysing the data, Parrikar said that revenue to the
tune of Rs 700 crore was pumped in the state through illegal
mining.
Parrikar contended that the high level committee
constituted to investigate illegal mining has no teeth to act.
"They are just referring violations to concern
ministries," he said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, July 24, 2009, 14:48