'May god save this land' -ToI

PANAJI: Mining in Goa is worse than in Bellary and the government has not done much to control mining activity, these, sources said, are observations of the Supreme Court's central empowered committee's (CEC) after it visited mines in Goa and interacted with NGOs. Sources said CEC members made these observations while interacting with NGO's. The CEC had also inspected mining in Bellary and submitted a report on this to the SC. TOI had first reported that illegal mining in Goa was far higher than that in Bellary, Karnataka. Sources close to the CEC said the team was disturbed after visiting four mines in the catchment area of Selaulim dam in South Goa and remarked, "May god save this land". Sources said the committee may recommend shutting down mines operating in the dam's catchment area. The Supreme Court's central empowered committee's (CEC) visited the state to get a firsthand feel of mining in Goa vis-a-vis the Shah commission report on illegal mining in the state and a petition filed in the SC by Goa Foundation. The Shah commission had pointed out various irregularities involving mining activities in the state. In it field visits, CEC found some mines carrying out activities without approved mining plans, and in others that dumps exceeded the permissible height, sources said. Sources added that the CEC was also concerned about the number of trucks involved in mining activities, as the infrastructure's carrying capacity was already overburdened. A CEC member talking to NGOs said, "Field visits to mines and discussions with various sections of society have made us aware about the harsh realities experienced by villagers in the mining belt of Goa." Later on Wednesday mine owners again met the CEC and explained their position. Speaking to media persons Goa mineral ore exporters' association president Shivanand Salgaocar said "We made a representation to clarify the queries raised by the CEC." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/May-god-save-this-land/articleshow/17039943.cms