India, Nov. 7 -- Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant pitched for the reopening of mines located within ecologically sensitive areas of the Western Ghats after a "scientific assessment" so that "eligible mineral resources can be considered for auctions while protecting ecologically sensitive locations."

Addressing the 4th conference of mining ministers on reforms in the mining and coal sectors held in Goa on Thursday, Sawant also sought a "solution from the union ministry of environment and forests", given that Goa has limited land for compensatory afforestation.

"Around 153 leases fall within eco-sensitive areas of the Western Ghats. We have requested a review of certain villages including these areas based on the scientific assessment and...