Goa illegal mining: Shah panel to submit first report on Dec 1

Panaji, Nov 15: The Central government-appointed Shah Commission is likely to give its first report on illegal mining in Goa on Dec 1, officials said today. The Commission, which has been investigating the Iron Ore mining illegalities in Goa, is in its final stages of preparing an exhaustive report that would bare the unlawful activity in the state.

"The first report would be submitted to Union Mining Ministry on Dec 1," said a senior Commission member also said that the second report would come subsequently.

The panel has been probing Iron ore extraction, trading and exports in Goa since mid-Sep this year for which eight teams were formed, which with the help of local Mines and Geology Ministry, inspected 90-odd working mines and 30- odd non working mining leases to arrive at a final conclusion.

The senior member said the team would be visiting Goa for third and final round of investigations in Nov last week. Justice M B Shah, heading the Commission, was, however not available for comment.

The illegal iron ore mining in Goa is estimated between Rs 1,200-10,000 Crore. The Goa Legislative Assembly constituted Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report on the same has put the figure to Rs 4,000 crore in last five years.

PTI