Panjim: The state government has streamlined the process for issuing licences for traditional sand mining and laterite stone mining. Briefing the media after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the Directorate of Mines and Geology will grant licences for traditional sand mining in the Chapora river and laterite stone mining across the state.

 

He said that as per the direction of the High Court of Bombay at Goa, the government has initiated the process for issuing licences for sand mining and laterite stone mining. “National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has already given clearance for allotment of sand extraction licences in Chapora river. The concerned persons shall make applications to the Directorate of Mines and Geology for the same,” he said.

 

Sawant added that the NIO is yet to submit reports on River Mandovi, River Zuari and other rivers in South Goa for sand mining, and the government is expecting the same by the next month. “Based on the reports of the National Institute of Oceanography, the quantity and patches for sand extraction will be decided,” he said.

 

The Chief Minister informed that those who wish to take up laterite stone mining on private land will have to apply to the mines department and also apply on the government of India portal for environment clearance. “On Comunidade land, the interested party must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the concerned committee. If the Comunidade committee has given the NOC, the environment clearance can also be sought using the same. The permissions will be granted within a month to 45 days,” he said.

 

For government land, Sawant said the concerned person will have to apply to the Directorate of Mines and Geology for obtaining a lease. “The government is in the process of formulating rules for such leases,” he said.