Goa mining leases to get green nod by mid-June, says GSPCB

Clearances for mining leases under the Air and Water Pollution Act would be granted by mid-June, a senior Goa State Pollution Control Board official said here today, adding that a technical committee would inspect the leases shortly.
Mine owners in the state had recently petitioned the Pollution Board to expedite the process.
"We received applications from most mining companies to operate their mines. There are a few points which we need to discuss with them," Board Chairman Jose Manuel Noronha said.
As soon as applications are received, a technical committee comprising experts from the GSPCB, the state environment and technology officials as well as a legal team would inspect mining leases, he said.

"The team will inspect all mining leases, environment clearances as well as transport routes. Once the study is over, it will be placed before the GSPCB," he said.
"The board will take decisions to grant clearances by the end of May or mid-June. Decision on all mining leases will be considered together if they are qualified by the committee," he said.
The mining industry in Goa has been at a standstill for the past two years. The Supreme Court lifted ban in April this year though mining is yet to restart.