India
Goa CM Calls for Reopening 153 Iron Ore Leases in Western Ghats After Scientific Review
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged the union Ministry of Environment and Forests to allow the reopening of 153 iron ore mining leases located in ecologically sensitive areas of the Western Ghats, after a scientific assessment. He said the leases could be considered for auction while protecting sensitive locations and highlighted the lack of land available for compensatory afforestation, especially in blocks involving forest land. The Supreme Court has cancelled mining leases in areas provisionally identified as ecologically sensitive, and Goa has not yet auctioned leases in villages marked as such by the ministry.
Sawant noted that Goa has auctioned 17 mineral blocks, six of which are operational, producing about 19.15 million tonnes annually, close to the Supreme Court‑imposed limit of 20 million tonnes. Full capacity could generate roughly ₹4,000 crore in revenue and create 4,000–5,000 jobs. During the 2006‑2012 boom, Goa had 127 operational leases and produced 54 million tonnes before operations were halted.
Environmental activist Ramesh Gauns criticised the chief minister’s proposals, arguing that mining has not changed since the ban and that there is no monitoring, leading to pollution protests. He suggested the CM’s announcements are aimed at boosting support ahead of elections.
Sawant responded that the state will enforce environmental laws strictly, requiring operators to comply with environmental clearance, approved mining plans, and other statutory safeguards. He pledged to take action against violations of forests, rivers, biodiversity, and public health.
The article was written by Gerard de Souza, a Special Correspondent based in Goa.