Panaji (GOA): The Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad has proposed a self governing audit protocol of all the operational mines in the State in their draft road map prepared towards reducing the pollution caused due to mining activities.

The ISM is roped in by the mining companies, which were reeling under criticism of polluting the villages, to suggest measures for curbing pollution and also a concept for monitoring the air ambient quality in the mining areas.

ISM today made a presentation on its draft road map before the official of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and the mining companies. The ISM will submit its final report on Wednesday.

“ISM made a presentation proposing a framework for monitoring of air ambient quality. We have gone through the draft report and have asked them to submit final report by Wednesday,” GSPCB member secretary Levinson Martins said.

Sources said that ISM has proposed audit protocol of all the operational mines. “It will be a self governing framework, wherein the mining officials from one firm will visit and inspect the mine belonging to the other company. The audit will be undertaken on various fronts including pollution level. There will be a questionnaire set, based on which the audit will be undertaken,” sources explained.

Sources also stated that as a short term measure, ISM has proposed phasing out of older generation truck and replacing them with new mechanized fully covered trucks, which will help in reducing the dust pollution by almost zero percent.

The ISM report will decide the fate of 42 mining leases, including 12 from the Sonshi village, who had applied for Consent to Operate before GSPCB. The Board had decline to grant the consent as the mines were found involved in creating pollution.

Team TNV