All mines within 1 km buffer zone to be shut in phases - ToI

All mines within 1 km buffer zone to be shut in phases TNN | Oct 23, 2012, 05.58AM IST PANAJI: After recommending to the central government a one km buffer zone for wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, the state government has decided to shut down mines operating within the one km buffer zone over the next five to 10 years. There are around 33 mining leases within the zone. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the premier of a Marathi film in Panaji, chief minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said "We have told that Goa will have one km buffer zone for national park and wildlife sanctuaries." Hence the mines operating in the area cannot function. Also, no permission will be given to start new mines within two km buffer zone. He said for "natural boundaries", the river will be considered as boundaries for buffer zone, whichever is less. Parrikar said, "In the one km distance from buffer zone only existing mines will be allowed to operate and no new mines will be allowed". The Supreme Court constituted central empowered committee has recommended a two km buffer zone for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. As reported by TOI on Sunday, the government has decided a one-km buffer zone for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries except Bondla zoo and Chorao bird sanctuary which will have around 100 metre buffer zone. The 1-km buffer zone will be applicable to Mhadei, Netraveli and Mollem wildlife sanctuaries. Replying to a question, Parrikar said that it is easy for people to sit in air-conditioned bungalows to give suggestion and criticize the government but it is not easy to come out with practical solutions. Reacting to the developments, the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association (GMOEA) expressed concern over the government's decision of finalizing a one km buffer zone. GMOEA in a press release stated that the total forest area in Goa is about 38% of the total geographical area. Of which, less than 7% area where mining happens is considered to be forest area and these mines have been accorded all the requisite government clearances, both at the state and the central level. GMOEA secretary and spokesperson Glenn Kalavampara said given the contiguity of forest land due to the topography of Goa, the Cabinet's decision to demarcate eco-sensitive buffer zones of 100 metres to one km around wildlife sanctuaries and national parks will have an adverse socio-economic impact in these regions. "GMOEA supports an eco-sensitive & sustainable view to mineral development in the State. This decision by the Cabinet takes 4.7% of Goa out of the ambit of economic progress and directly impacts over 4,000 jobs in the area, without any rightful reason", said Kalavampara. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/All-mines-within-1-km-buffer-zone-to-be-shut-in-phases/articleshow/16922691.cms