Goa environment minister Aleixo Sequeira asked the department of science, technology and environment (STE) to verify the legality of 17 mines operating near wildlife sanctuaries and initiate action to stop them. 

The move comes in the wake of an assurance given by Minister for Environment Aleixo Sequeira in the assembly that in case illegalities are found, necessary action would be initiated for the closure of the mines.

But, according to the Times of India quoting sources, the government was not too keen on implementing the assurance immediately. Sources said that at a meeting held on Friday to discuss the implementation of the order at the government level, where officials from the departments of mines and forest were present, it was decided to put off the implementation of the order. 

Some of these mines are being operated by politically-connected persons. Six of them are close to wildlife sanctuaries and according to one list, are operating without obtaining clearance from Wildlife warden or much after the clearances had expired. These are in the villages of Codli, Todou, Bhati and Rivona.