Greens see red over mines secy's comment -ToI

Greens see red over mines secy's comment TNN | Nov 4, 2012, 02.40AM IST PANAJI: Mining activists on Saturday lashed out at mines secretary R K Verma for contradicting the findings of the Shah commission on encroachments by mining lessees in Goa. Verma had said the inspection by the Supreme Court's central empowered committee (CEC) on mines to verify illegalities pointed out by the commission did not find any encroachments by lessees. Bicholim-based mining activist Ramesh Gauns said that if there is no encroachment outside mining leases, Verma should ask the directorate of mines and geology to provide information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act on encroachments. "The CEC visited 12 mines. It cannot be said that there is no encroachment until 50% of mines are visited. Right now, just 9% have been visited. Verma should inspect 50 mines and then make statements about encroachments," said Gauns. Mining activist Audhut Prabhudesai said that he is not surprised with Verma's statement...... http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Greens-see-red-over-mines-secys-comment/articleshow/17081516.cms