PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday asserted that iron ore mining could physically commence by October this year and that the government is confident of getting all the estimated revenues from the activity.
Sawant said of the four mining blocks successfully auctioned, the environmental clearances of two which do not come within five kilometers of sanctuaries and protected forests can be processed by the State itself. In the case of the other two, the bidders will have to obtain ECs from the Cenrre, he added.
The chief minister made the statements while speaking on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address.
The motion which was discussed over two days in the House was later passed by a voice-vote after the multiple amendments moved by Opposition members were defeated.
