PANAJI
The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has decided to write to the Special Investigating Team (SIT) seeking a report with regards to the illegal mining. Total 16 cases were under investigation by SIT.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has sought a report with regards to illegal mining before pursuing with the environmental clearances for the e-auctioned mineral blocks in the State.
During the meeting held last month, the Deputy Director Mines assured EAC to obtain the report on the investigation from the SIT and submit it to the Ministry. The deputy director also informed that the State government is looking positive to restart the mining operations in Goa.
As per sources, of the total 16 cases of illegal mining, only one is left under investigation, with the rest either having been closed or chargesheeted. In eight out of 16 cases, the SIT arrested 29 persons while two accused were booked in more than one case.
The case that is still under investigation is with regards to fixing criminal liabilities against all those involved in illegal mining.
Following directions from the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the DMG had in September written to the SIT to fast track the decade-old investigation and submit the report at the earliest.
