Panaji (Goa) As many as 24 iron ore mining leases will have to go for fresh public hearing for grant of Environment Clearance.

Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC ) has issued the directions in this regard. These leases were found being operational without valid ECs from the Ministry. 

The 24 leases belong to Chowgule & Co Pvt Ltd, Sesa Mining Corp Ltd, EMCO Goa Pvt Ltd, Pandurang Timblo, Sociedade Timblo Irmaos Ltd Rep Timblo Pvt. Ltd, Sesa Resources Ltd, M S Talaulikar, Baddrudin Husainbhai Mavani Sova, RS Shetye & Bros, VG Quenim and Rajesh Timblo. 

Goa Foundation and one Shankar Jog, had approached National Green Tribunal (NGT) challenging the mining activities undertaken by the lessees without valid EC in view of the Supreme Court judgement dated July 12, 2016 delivered in M/s. Talaulikar & Sons v/s Union of India and others. NGT had then directed MOEF to dispose off the matter after taking the due decision.

 “The Ministry has taken a decision that fresh public hearing is required in the case of M/S Talaulikar & Sons. As the judgment of the Supreme Court in the transfer petition M/S Talaulikar & Sons is applicable, you are required to conduct fresh public hearing and follow the instructions of the Court,” Ministry’s advisor Surendra Kumar said in the order.