Natural resources are also for future generations: SC

Appearing for the NGO, counsel Prashant Bhushan told the court that 97 percent of the iron ore mined from Goa was not used for domestic consumption.



Comparing the mining companies with vultures, Bhushan told the court that these companies had not only destroyed the forest, water bodies, agriculture and bio-diversity but also harmed tribals.

Bhushan told the court that all that the state government got by way of royalty was Rs.61 for a tonne of legally mined iron ore.

"It does not add to the revenue of the state. If it substantially adds to the revenue of the state, then it can be used in the social sector," Justice Patnaik said.

Bhushan said the miners were involved in multiple violations of leases.

The lease holders were issued notice by the Goa government a year back but no follow up action was taken.

Bhushan said that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parikar as the then leader of opposition and head of the state legislature's Public Accounts Committee gave a very strong report but now as the chief minister he was singing a different tune.

"If you are on this side (opposition), you oppose, if you are in government you govern. This is all in democracy," remarked Justice Patnaik.