GSPCB to inspect mines from May 4

The Times of India , Monday, April 27, 2015
Correspondent : TNN
Panaji: The Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB) has decided to start inspecting mines from the first week of May before granting consent to operate for mining leases. The inspection of mines is likely to be completed by the end of May.

Speaking to TOI, GSPCB chairman Jose Manuel Noronha, said, that a team will start inspections on May 4 and will complete the process by end of May. "The report would be placed before the technical advisory committee before it is placed before the board to take a final decision," he added.

Noronha also said that the team will also identify two to three places in each mining lease so that they can install ambient air quality monitoring station to measure PM (particulate measure) 2.5 and PM 10.

Noronha also said that all 89 mining leases have applied for the consent to operate. Out of 89 mining leases renewed by the state government, only 61 mining leases have been allowed to extract iron ore, on a pro rata basis to fit into the 20 million tonne capping for iron ore extraction, fixed by the Supreme Court.

The board had asked lease holders to submit three documents which include: lease agreement copy signed between lease holder and directorate of mines and geology, mining surface plan approved by the Indian Bureau of Mines and environmental clearance (EC) issued by ministry of environment, forest and climate change.

The ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC formerly known as MoEF) had revoked the environment clearances (EC) of 72 mines which were kept in abeyance following the Shah Commission report tabling in parliament.

While granting the EC, the MoEFCC, has put tough conditions for granting consent to operate under Air Act and Water Act. MoEFCC director V P Upadhyay, in an office memorandum to GSPCB, has asked it to adhere to all the terms and conditions laid down by the MoEFCC while granting the consent to operate. One of the conditions is that the board should not grant consent to operate to those mines using village roads for transportation of iron ore.

 
SOURCE : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/GSPCB-to-inspect-mines-from-May-4/articleshow/47063047.cms
 


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