Goa PAC to submit report on illegal mining on Monday

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Goa Legislative Assembly will submit its final report on illegal mining in the state on September 12, sources said today.

The PAC, led by leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar, has conducted a detailed investigation into an alleged mining scam estimated to run into Rs1,200 crore, they said.

The committee which had summoned officers from state mines and geology department, forest department, transport department and mine owners has prepared a comprehensive report pointing out to the 'illegalities' in the mining sector, the sources said.

According to them, the committee has already issued notices to 68 mining firms, including more than a dozen such firms which have been pursuing illegal operations.

The illegalities include extraction of the ore beyond capacity, evasion of royalty, violation of the environmental norms and other factors that are being highlighted by the report, they said.

The committee during its probe has zeroed in on the instances of several forest areas being encroached by the mine owners; which is gross violation of the environmental laws, sources added.

The PAC has also asked the mines department to register the ore dumps lying in the various mining sites, they said.