Panaji, Sep 11 (IBNS): In what could be a major decision of the Goa government, all 90 mines in the state were asked to temporarily shut down their operations from Tuesday onwards.

In a notification issued Monday evening  the state's Mines and Geology Department asked the mine owners to submit fresh documents including permissions from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for verification.

Commenting on the latest development Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that if any mining lease was found without proper documentations, they will not be allowed to operate.

“The operations are suspended pending inquiry,” he said.

The Justice Shah Commission report tabled in the Parliament recently had stated that all 90 working mines are operating illegally as they had not obtained necessary permission from the centre.

The report had pointed out several illegalities and irregularities by the previous Congress-led coalition government.

Parrikar assured to register a First Information Report against the then Chief Ministers Digambar Kamat, Pratapsing Rane and other officials within the next fortnight.

(Reporting by John Edwards)