PANJIM: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will hold a hearing on June 26, to assess the defence of 48 mining firms, which have allegedly produced excess ore, in violation of the permission granted to them by Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). The validity of the Environmental Clearances (EC) issued by MoEF would also be verified during the hearing.

A senior GSPCB official said that the board is not satisfied with the replies given by the companies, which were asked to submit documents pertaining to production and EC as per High Court directives.