Undoubtedly, the biggest issue in Goa this poll season is the allegations of rampant illegal mining. The Congress government has been at odds to explain the ‘action’ being taken to curb the menace but trucks full of iron ore from the western Ghats continue to make their way down Zuari and Mandovi rivers to the Mormugao port.


Goa has 336 valid mining leases out of which 90 mines are in operation. Controversy engulfed the state’s most profitable business in mid-2011, when Goa State Pollution Control Board suspended the operation of 35 mines for failing to provide the requisite approvals.


As the controversy gained traction, Justice MB Shah Commission was appointed to investigate mining in the state. Although Justice Shah is yet to submit his report, there are indications that large scale irregularities have been the norm in the state with more than 50% of all working mines in Goa finding a place in the red list.


The Commission has even called for a complete ban on export of iron-ore from India till the system is fixed.


The damning report will hit Chief Minister Digambar Kamat the most as he has served as the state`s mining minister for 11 years.