PANAJI
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) earlier this week granted its consent to Chowgule and Company to handle and transport half a million tonnes of iron ore, which was previously e-auctioned by the State government from Sirigao.
GSPCB chairman Mahesh Patil said the Board, at its meeting earlier this week, granted permission to Chowgule to transport five lakh tonnes of dumped iron ore in Sirigao. Chowgule is thus the first company permitted to handle dump ore outside of a lease area.
While granting the permission, GSPCB has, however, mandated that the company first establish two stations to monitor ambient air quality in the core and buffer zones, besides ensuring air pollution mitigating measures before commencing ground operations.
Other conditions include the installation of groundwater monitoring systems in Mayem and Sirigao, and the covering of post-operation slopes at the dump with biodegradable geo-textile mats and laterite.
