From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
 
Panaji, Dec 15: Goa government has admitted that the sizeable quantum of illegal stone quarrying is going on in the state.
 
Chief minister Digamber Kamat today said that  25 per cent of stone extraction quarrying is illegal.

The response tabled on the floor of the house mentions that of the total 108 laterite stone quarries found in operation, only 83 are holding valid licences.

The chief minister, who is also holding mining portfolio, was responding to a question tabled by BJP legislator Ramesh Tawadkar.

The state government, which was cornered by opposition on illegal iron ore mining during the last assembly session, has admitted that these illegal quarrying is going on in the remote talukas of Pernem, Sanguem, Sattari and Bicholim.

The four day long winter session began today, Dec 15 at Porvorim.

The record indicates that only one illegal quarry is existing in coastal Salcette taluka, which was sealed by the department. Kamat said that of 25 illegal quarries, the inquiries are going on in eight cases while in 17 cases the action is initiated.

In a case reported in Sattari taluka, the state authorities are yet to get the name of the miner as all the labourers fled during the surprise inspection carried by the department officials.  In 12 cases, the state government has sealed the machinery from the site.