Panaji, Sept 18 (IBNS) The Goa forest department on Tuesday decided to revoke forest clearances to 7 mines located within 10 kilometer from wildlife sanctuaries after a group of environmentalists and anti-mining activists held a protest walk in the office of Chief Wildlife Warden.

Justice Shah report on illegal mining had recommended closing down several mines including 33 mining leases operating within one kilometers of wildlife sanctuaries and national park.

The activists alleged that the department is hand in gloves with the mining lobbies.

“No Objection Certificates were issued to various mining leases despite Supreme Court making it mandatory to obtain clearances from the National Wildlife Board,” said acclaimed green activist Claude Alvares.

Chief Wildlife Warden Richard D’Souza told reporters that a proper assurance will be given only after studying the Shah Commission report.

On Monday, the Ministry of Environment and Forests issued show cause notices to 46 mining companies for allegedly violating the environment impact clearances.

The notices returnable within 15 days seek reply as to why environmental clearances (EC) granted to them should not be revoked. More so, the ministry has kept in abeyance ECs of 139 mines.

(Reporting by John Edwards)