Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) in a big relief as the Union Ministry of Environment & Forest has modified its rule on forest clearance under which the miners had to obtain forest clearance for the entire forest land by 31 Jan, 2015. Now, the time limit has been extended for one year till 31 Jan, 2016.
With this change, OMC does not have to close its 4 key Iron ore and Chrome mines i.e. Gandhamardan, Daitari Iron ore mines and Sukrangi and South Kaliapani Chrome mines by Saturday. Earlier this month, Odisha Chief Secretary has requested the Environment & Forest Ministry to allow more time to obtain the clearances.
With forest clearance applications for the mines are under consideration of the ministry at various levels, OMC is hopeful to obtain the clearances much before the new deadline.
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