Bhubaneswar: Even as the state government claimed that there was no illegality in the mining operations, there are apprehensions among some experts that Odisha may face a temporary ban on mining before being allowed resumption of operation under a set of safeguard. The Supreme Court is likely to take a decision whether to allow mining activities in Odisha soon.
The Apex Court is presently in the process of disposing a PIL which sought stop of mining activities as most of the mines do not follow the law rule.
Before taking a decision, the Supreme Court had asked the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to take views of both the state government and mine lease holders.
The Odisha Government on Thursday informed the CEC that all mines operating in the state have statutory clearance.
“We have informed the CEC that all the mines, mostly Iron ore & Manganese, operating in the state required statutory clearance for mining activities,” Chief Secretary J.K. Mohapatra said after a meeting with the CEC at New Delhi on Thursday.
CEC will hand over the documents availed from the state government to the Supreme Court which had been hearing a case regarding the alleged illegal mining activities in Odisha, stated Mr. Mohapatra .
The Committee had wanted compliance from the state government on difference matters like environmental clearance, forest clearance and consent to operate. Besides, it also heard the point of views of different mines lease holders.
The Supreme Court, which is hearing on the alleged illegal mining cases in the state, had asked the CEC to submit a report on what interim orders could be issued to deal with problems posed by large-scale illegal mining in Odisha.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked the Central and Odisha Government as well as the CEC to formally explain their position vis-a-vis allegations by NGO petitioner that widespread mining illegalities were committed in Odisha.
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