I n a notification dated December 8, 1997 the Competent Authority in the Ministry of Environment & Forests has approved the constitution of an Expert Committee to assess the pollution caused by effluents discharged by hotels/beach resorts and the damage caused by mining activities in Goa.
The composition of the Expert Committee will be as follows :
1. Representative of the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa Member 2. Representative of the Central Ground Water Authority, Faridabad (Haryana) Member 3. Representative of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur Member 4. M Subba Rao, Joint Director, Ministry of Environment & Forests, New Delhi Convenor
The terms of reference of the Steering Committee will be as follows:
1. To assess the damage caused by mining activities and, in particular, to
ascertain whether adequate mitigative measures are being taken by the mine
operators.
2. To ascertain whether the dug up area of abandoned mines is being properly
reclaimed through back filling, afforestation, etc.
3. To suggest appropriate preventive and mitigative measures, including
suitable pollution control devices.
The committee shall submit its report within three months from the date of issue of this order.
The committee may co-opt or invite other experts, if required, for discussions on specific issues with the approval of this Ministry.
The committee may meet in New Delhi or at any other place and may also undertake site visits, if considered necessary.
The TA/DA expenses to be incurred by non-official members for attending the meetings/site visits will be borne by the Ministry in accordance with existing rules.