Panaji (Goa) 

With almost 25 percent of the total illegal mining cases held in the country are reported in Goa, the Goa Foundation will petition Union Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar pointing to government’s failure in curbing the illegal business.

Tomar will chair the crucial Mines Ministers meeting in Goa on Friday.

Addressing press conference, GF director Dr Claude Alvares said that the mining surveillance System (MSS) installed by the Central government to get information on illegal mining activities in the country, has reported total 12 cases in Goa out of 48 across the country.

“Goa contributes 25 percent of these cases. This shows that despite very few mining leases in operation, the illegal activities continue,” Alvares said.

Activist reiterated that government should not grant any more mining leases as it had failed to control the illegal trade.