RP for Goa''s mining talukas to be notified in a bunch

Panaji, Feb 9 (PTI) The Goa government has decided tojointly notify surface utilisation plans (Regional Plans) forall mining talukas in the coastal state.

Top level sources said that Regional Plan 2021, givingdetails of existing use of land and decides future utilisationof land, of four talukas would be notified jointly as they arehaving high density of mines.

The mining talukas include Quepem, Bicholim, Sattari andSanguem which are being given final touches by State LevelCommittee (SLC) led by Chief Minister Digambar kamat.

SLC has already cleared the plan for Sattari taluka onJanuary 14 but its notification has been held back awaitingexercise for rest three talukas.

SLC has also asked state mining department to furnishdetails of existing mining sights in these talukas.

"The details of working and non-working mining sightswould be taken and mapped in the plan," a senior official saidadding the issue of illegal mining would also be handled inthe RP 2021.

The RP, a land utilisation document prepared by the stategovernment, has met with opposition after several civil rightgroup activists doubted government''s intentions behind it.

They termed it as a plot to favour few builders andpeople in the hospitality sector. Goa government has draftedRP 2021 following a meticulous exercise. .