Mining panel laments lack of coordination among Goa agencies

The Justice M B Shah Commission, whose report was tabled in Parliament today, maintained that their was no clarity about mining leases granted to some private firms.

In this regard, the Centre-appointed panel has named mining bigwigs like Sesa Goa, Damodar Mangalji & Co, V S Dempo, V M Salgaonkar, Kunda Gharse, Sociado Timblo Irmos, Prafula Hede and Chowgule & Co, amongst others.

The absence of harmony between Goa Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) and Goa State Pollution Control board (GSPCB) was visible in the reports submitted by the two agencies to the Commission, the report said.

"In case of 28 cases of mining leases, both the departments have sent information regarding working or non- working of mines to the Commission individually and apparently without consulting each other.

"Department of Mines has said a particular mine is not working but on the other hand, the said mine is shown as working/operating mine by GSPCB."

Interestingly, as per the list provided to the panel, 13 leases are shown as non-working and 15 as working by the Mines Department and the figures are vice-versa as per details submitted by GSPCB.

"Such contradictions in record reveal inefficient administration and no field inspection," said the report.

After holding several hearings and inspections in the state, the Commission has observed that natural resources, mostly iron ore, have made a few persons holding leasehold mining interests for decades as billionaires.

"It is necessary that leasehold rights for mining are granted by public auction. This would increase the income of the State and also there would be transparency in grant of lease and reduction in corruption/favouritism."

Union Mines Ministry, in its Action Taken Report, has said the issue of public auction of leases has been included in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011 which has been referred to a Parliamentary panel.