Fresh joint survey for 82 mining leases ordered

The apex court has directed that a fresh joint survey be conducted for 82 mining leases to identify the exact sanctioned area, the lease area under occupation and encroachment as per the MMDR Act.
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BHUBANESWAR: The apex court has directed that a fresh joint survey be conducted for 82 mining leases to identify the exact sanctioned area, the lease area under occupation and encroachment as per the MMDR Act.

The Justice MB Shah Commission had identified the 82 iron ore and manganese ore leases where encroachments in form of illegal mining pits, illegal over-burden dumps were recorded.
Following the Commission’s report, the State Government carried out a joint survey for 39 mining leases. The findings of the survey were verified by a team which found it sound.

The Supreme Court felt that in case of some of the mining leases, it would be desirable for the State Government to take another look at the survey results even as the rest 43 mining leases are yet to be assessed.

The apex court said it would be appropriate if a fresh joint survey is conducted by State Government officers. The Forest Survey of India, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Indian Bureau of Mines and Geological Survey of India should also be associated in the work.
The apex court felt that the CEC should also be part of the survey in which latest technology should be used. It has called for a report by December 31 in this regard.

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