PANJIM: In a major development, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has directed two mines operating within 10 kms of the Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary in Sanguem taluka to shut down operations with immediate effect for failing to get clearance from the National Wildlife Board.

The orders have been issued on August 13 to two mining leases operated by – Gangadhar Narsinghdas Agrawal and Pandurang Timblo Industries, under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.