Panel to examine 42 mines in Goa

Speaking in the state legislative assembly, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar informed that the Justice RMS Khandeparkar committee would investigate illegal revival of 42 mines 17 years ago.

Last year, Goa government appointed the committee to investigate and examine the findings of the Shah Commission report on illegal mining which exposed a Rs 35,000 crore scam in the sector.

Parrikar said the panel would probe the offences and illegalities committed in the mining activities in Goa including illegal orders that were passed to revive 42 dead mining leases.

The 42 mines amount to a little less than half the 'legally' operated mining leases which were functioning until recently.

The panel would also identify public servants and others in aiding and abetting the offences and illegalities in the mining operations.

The Supreme Court banned mining in Goa five months ago following a petition by local voluntary organisations along with noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan.