Another problem for Gir Lions minning activities on Gir forest

21-05-2008

Another problem for Gir Lions minning activities on Gir forest

Divya Bhaskar

Briefly translated from Gujarati

Few days back one of the illegal mine was raided in Khodad village of Mangrol Taluka. Equipments worth Rs. 40 lacs were also seized. But one such raid will not stop numerous mines illegally operating on periphery of Gir forest. As per WLPA – 1972 no mining activity is permissible within 5 km radius of the forest. Still because of boom in construction activities, such illegal mines are also booming.

Mine owners get permission for one mine and then using that permission illegally does mining at many places in Govt. land, grazing fields etc. There are many such illegal mines in Ghantwad, Jamvada, Bhakha, Thordi, Sanvav, Alidad, Harmadiya and Abhalvad villages.

District Collector, Ashwani Kumar says, no big shots will also be spared if they are caught in such illegal activity. We will also use PASA weapon against them.