The Goa government has sought a scientific review of 153 mining leases falling within eco-sensitive areas of the Western Ghats to determine whether eligible mineral resources can be opened for auction while safeguarding ecologically fragile locations.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant announced this on Thursday while addressing a conference of mining ministers and officials on reforms in the mining and coal sectors in South Goa.

Sawant said the state government has taken up the matter with the Centre, seeking a review of certain villages located within eco-sensitive areas by following the applicable legal process.

The proposed review is intended to assess the scope for mineral resource utilisation while ensuring that environmental safeguards are not compromised.

Reiterating the government's position on responsible mining, Sawant said Goa would not tolerate violations of environmental laws or prescribed mining conditions.

He stressed that all mining operators must comply with environmental clearances, approved mining plans, pollution control requirements and other statutory safeguards, warning that strict action would be taken against violations.

The Chief Minister maintained that the state's forests, rivers, biodiversity and the health of people living in mining areas cannot be compromised for commercial interests.