Bangalore: An initiative by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to address the problem posed by slurry waste from granite units at Jigani along Bannerghatta Road has become a boon for garbage contractors. They have got the chance to dump waste on the sly in abandoned quarries of the area.

At least 20 tonnes of Bangalore’s waste finds its way here. The KSPCB though is not complaining, given that it hasn’t really affected its plans to dump slurry waste in the quarry pits.

SHILLONG: Despite the introduction of the State Mining Policy, unscientific mining of coal and limestone continue to pollute Lukha river in Jaintia Hills.

The colour of the water continues to remain blue during the entire course of the winter season due to rampant pollution. An official of the State Pollution Control Board said that the Board had in the past suggested remedial measures, both short term and long term, to address the issue of the river water turning blue.

PANJIM: The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in its affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, stated it has no objection to the present petition being heard on merit, sticking to its earlier stand that in case a mining project is located within 10 kms from a wildlife sanctuary or national park, environmental clearance should be accorded subject to obtaining clearance from the standing committee of the National Board of Wildlife.

This clearance puts the onus on the mine owner to submit an application and obtain wildlife clearance under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1973 “…as the environment clearance process is a parallel exercise and independent of any other statutory clearances.”

It's time to economically value the greenhouse gas-trapping potential of mine waste and start making money from it, says mining engineer and geologist Michael Hitch of the University of British Col

Gandhinagar: A high-level official report, prepared by the Gujarat Ecology Commission, has taken strong exception to unprecedented mining activities bordering the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar plans to shut down all the mines falling in the catchment area of Selaulim water reservoir, HERALD has learnt. The Government has already identified 19 such mines which are polluting the water of the Selaulim reservoir.

Ramesh Gawas, one of the social activists leading the fight against illegal mining, points out that 55 per cent of the Goan population drinks water coming from the Selaulim water treatment plant and majority of those who drink this water live in Salcete and Mormugao Talukas, with 32 per cent of this polluted water being consumed in Salcete alone. Talking to HCN, Gawas said even the Parrikar Government’s reply in the recent Assembly Session admitted that manganese content in Selaulim water is 3.5 mg, which is three times more than the permissible limit.

Goa government has finally resolved to shut down the mines pouring manganese and iron ore in the Selaulim reservoir, the source of potable water for 55 per cent of the state population.

The state will have to shut down the mines operating within the river zone of Selaulim dam, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters yesterday. "We have to stop all mines pouring in material (iron ore and manganese) in Selaulim reservoir," Parrikar said.

PANJIM: Even as Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar threw down a gauntlet to Indian Bureau of Mines to close mines in Goa, Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) officials began inspection of mining leases in Goa, on Wednesday, ahead of Minister Jayanti Natarajan’s visit to the state next week.

Sources stated that eight officials, four from MoEF and four from Central Pollution Control Board are down in Ponda and have begun inspection of mines to verify whether mining dumps are being handled by mining lease holders without obtaining environment clearances (ECs).

PANJIM: Tightening the screws on illegal mining operations, Union Ministry for Environment and Forest (MoEF) has ordered an inspection to ascertain whether dumps mining is taking place in Goa without obtaining environment clearances (ECs), in the wake of complaints that dump handling activity is being carried out without obtaining ECs.

Goa Foundation and environmentalist Ramesh Gawas had lodged two different complaints with Directorate of Mines and Geology and Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) stating that Sesa Goa is involved in handling of dumps at its mining sites at Sankhalim and Sattari.