Wildlife Conservation- The Goan Somersault

The mining lobby in Goa is working overtime to topple last week’s order of the environment ministry closing down 12 mines owing to their proximity to wildlife reserves. The powerful lobby is making a backside entry through the new mineral policy. The policy allows mining near the state's wildlife sanctuaries.

This is what the policy says "Mining leases/prospecting licences within close proximity from already declared wildlife sanctuaries would be considered provided they adhere to additional safeguards and guidelines whilst operating so as to reduce any adverse effect on the environment,” A clear-cut somersault. Strangely the policy also speaks of maintaining the ecological balance in the state.

Necessary loopholes have been very cleverly inserted for the benefit of the wheeler dealers. Goan environmentalists have a hard time ahead.

Wildlife Conservation- Good News from Goa

Illegal mining in the vicinity of wildlife reserves have always been a thorn in the flesh in Goa. Operators with political clout were freely mining in the immediate environs of sanctuaries with all permits. Now, heeding to the call of environmentalists Government of Goa has decided to clamp down on these illegal activities.
Environment minister Aleixo Sequeira has given an assurance in the legislative assembly that all mines located near wildlife sanctuaries in Goa will be closed within seven days. Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) which has been at the receiving end of lot of complaints will be reconstituted shortly. The minister has assured that from here onwards it will be coordinated team effort and lapses will not happen.
This new initiative is a victory for the environmentalists. High Range Tidings salutes all the brave hearts who have worked relentlessly for this to happen. Well done