VANISHING GREEN
Mining leases in eco-sensitive Sindhudurg to be reviewed…..Sandeep Ashar
Mining leases in eco-sensitive Sindhudurg to be reviewed…..Sandeep Ashar
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government reviewed the status of operational and proposed mining leases in the eco-sensitive Sindhudurg belt and adjoining areas on Wednesday.
Jairam Ramesh,Union minister of environment and forests,had ordered a review after a series of TOI reports highlighted an impending environmental disaster due to rampant mining.The reports spoke of the ecological impact,including loss of forest cover and irreparable damage to flora and fauna,and wildlife habitat.
The reports described how easy it was to get fabricated environmental-impact assessment (EIA) reports to ease the way for mines.
During the review,it came to light that some mining firms were continuing with digging even though the consent-to-operate issued by the state government had expired.
The consent-to-operate is issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and has to be renewed after a specific period.Senior officials from the environment,revenue and industries (mining) departments and MPCB jointly review the leases.
Officials said that 45 leases were operational in the region,whereas 10 have been proposed.
After realizing that some were functioning even as the MPCBs consent to them had expired,the review team has decided to examine the leases on a case-to-case basis.
Action will be taken against mining firms operating in violation of norms,the officials said.
To ensure that the lack of coordination between the departments is plugged,the team has decided to meet periodically and evolve a data-sharing mechanism to stay in the loop.
The Union ministry of environment and forest is drafting regulations to promote sustainable mining.
A meeting on the issue is likely to be held in New Delhi on Friday.