NDTV Correspondent,
Updated: December 21, 2010 10:32
ISTV Correspondent, Updated: December 21, 2010 10:32 IST
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Sindhudurg: Sindhudurg district, located in the fragile Western Ghats could see an invasion by as many as 49 mines. Even as they await clearance, allegations that the environment report on which these clearances will be based are bogus.
Hundreds of acres in this green zone have been earmarked for iron ore and bauxite mining ore that's in huge demand overseas.
As many as 49 mining leases are at different stages of approval in Sindhudurg and mountains like these that are part of the Western Ghats, globally recognised as an important biodiversity hotspot, are part of the mining plan.
Only a few mines are operational right now but the plan for the future is massive.
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Sindhudurg: Sindhudurg district, located in the fragile Western Ghats could see an invasion by as many as 49 mines. Even as they await clearance, allegations that the environment report on which these clearances will be based are bogus.
Hundreds of acres in this green zone have been earmarked for iron ore and bauxite mining ore that's in huge demand overseas.
As many as 49 mining leases are at different stages of approval in Sindhudurg and mountains like these that are part of the Western Ghats, globally recognised as an important biodiversity hotspot, are part of the mining plan.
Only a few mines are operational right now but the plan for the future is massive.
''If you talk of Sindhudurg alone, we are talking of a 25,000-crore industry and that's a huge figure," said D Stalin, NGO Vanashakti.
These mines face strong public resistance; locals allege that most leases are based on bogus environment impact assessment reports.
''The report said that there is no water source within a 10-kilometres radius, when a river flows within 50 metres, and another within 50 metres. These are perennial water sources that will be destroyed by mining,'' said Satish Ghotge, resident, Kalne Village.
The biggest mine operating here belongs to Vinay Patil, son of Congressman and former Maharashtra minister Rohidas Patil
And among leases waiting for sanction are Sindhudurg Mining Corporation and Timblo Mines.
Reports of bogus environment impact assessment reports have triggered action from Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, who asked the state to review all mining leases here.
Mine owner Vinay Patil is yet to respond to NDTV's queries.
The state Environment Secretary accepts that many reports are flawed.
''Environment Impact Assessment is not done properly. Many are bogus. We would like a modern Environment Impact Assessment to be done by the ministry, perhaps by a neutral panel,'' said Valsa Nair Singh, Environment Secretary, Mahasrashtra.
Even two months after Jairam Ramesh's letter, the state is yet to finish this crucial review; while in Sindhudurg's fragile ecosystem it remains business as usual.
(ndtv)
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