Govt assures a new CZMP with people’s views
Plan to be drafted by Environment Department in consultation with CZMA, GSPCB, scientists PORVORIM: In a major victory to the people, the State government on Tuesday announced it woud draft a fresh
Herald (Panjim)
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CM vows to phase out coal dust pollution in Vasco
VASCO: Assuring to phase out coal dust pollution in the port town, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday took a swipe at MPT for “openly handling coal without following procedures.” Addressing a public grievance meeting at Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) hall at Vasco, Parrikar requested people for patience to resolve the coal dust problem, as he was preoccupied with the mining imbroglio.
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In Curchorem, promises to resume mining by Diwali!
CURCHOREM: Assuring that he would resume mining activities in the State, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said people can expect some “favourable news by Dussehra or Diwali”. Addressing a gathering in the mining-dominated area of Curchorem organized by a mining major, Parrikar sought to allay apprehension among the mining-dependent over the suspension of mining activities in the State. “You all don’t have to worry because the mines are closed. Mines will be restarted. You all gave us 5-6 MLAs from this area and we will not put you on the streets,” assured Parrikar.
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Salcete’s coastal panchayats hold plastic-free drive
MARGAO: Salcete’s coastal panchayats on Tuesday launched plastic collection drives in their respective jurisdiction on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. At Varca, Sarpanch Luiza Rodrigues joined the villagers and school students in the drive to clean up the road sides of the plastic menace. Luiza said the objective behind the program was to involve the villagers in the drive since the Panchayat has launched door-to-door plastic collection in the village. “The whole objective is to bring together the villagers in the task of plastic collection. I am optimistic that the menace can be tackled with people’s participation”, she added.
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Greens laud Goa Foundation for moving SC over mining
PANJIM: Environmentalists and activists have not only commended the move by Goa Foundation to approach the Supreme Court to get the government to act on Shah Commission recommendation, but have reiterated
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Yellow fever vaccine shortage forces patients to shell out Rs 1400
PANJIM: Shortage of yellow fever vaccine at Panjim Urban Health Centre has forced those seeking to take the vaccine, to avail it from private clinics at a much higher cost. While Panjim UHC used to provide the vaccine at a subsidized cost of Rs 300 per patient, private clinics charge an exorbitant rate of Rs 1400. A notice put up at the entrance of the Urban Health Centre, prominently warns patients that there is shortage of the vaccine. This shortage has been on since September 11 and continues till date.
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Goa can be a tiger habitat: Forest Dept
PANJIM: Giving up its initial reluctance to include Goa region of Western Ghat in the World Heritage Site of UNESCO, Forest Department has finally admitted that Goa along with contiguous forests of Karnataka and Maharashtra, is one of the best potential tiger habitat in this bio-diversity hotspot. It has been alleged that various governments were dragging their feet on declaration of Western Ghat region as sanctuary for ‘tiger reserve’ since it would lead to the closure of at least 40 mining leases, 20 of which are active.
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MMC turns down KRC plea on garbage fees
MARGAO: In an interesting development, the Margao Municipal Council has rejected the request of the Konkan Railway Corporation to exempt the railways from the payment of garbage collection fees. In fact, MMC Chief Officer S R Kotkwale told the KRC officials that the request for exemption cannot be considered and directed the Corporation to clear the outstanding dues totaling to around Rs 5.49 lakh.
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PIL in SC to restrain resumption of mining
A petition was filed on Wednesday in the Supreme Court to restrain the resumption of iron and manganese ore mining in Goa amid a judicial commission estimating a loss of Rs 35,000 crore to the exchequer
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Air of uncertainty hits 107 mining leases
PANJIM: In yet another major blow to mining firms hoping to start the mining season by November end, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has decided not to renew Air and Water consent of 107 mining leases, at least temporarily. GSPCB at its 104th meeting, held on Tuesday, has made permissions under Forest Conservation Act (FCA) and Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) mandatory for those mines, operational in the forest areas, including wildlife sanctuaries. Hence, it is now amply clear that mining operations would be delayed further, though industry was expecting to start it by November, after State government suspended mining operations.
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Mining delay: Govt blames it on MoEF
PANJIM: With few days left for the new mining season to commence, Goa government, which had earlier assured to allow mining firms to resume operations by November, has now expressed helplessness as Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has kept Environment Clearances in abeyance. Talking to reporters, Director of Mines and Geology Prasanna Acharya said that State government cannot predict as to when the new mining season would start in Goa, as the Union ministry has continued suspension of the Environment Clearances (ECs) of all mines.