After Justice MB Shah Commission started inquiring into illegal mining in the State, 45 criminal cases have been registered against the owners of private iron ore and manganese mines in Koida mining sector for violation of environmental norms. Sundargarh administration filed the cases at the court of Bonai Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate.
Administrative sources said the case filing process began in March and the cases were registered in two phases. But, the process initially faced hurdles due to alleged non-cooperation of the office of Koida Deputy Director of Mines (DDM) SN Sahoo. After dilly-dallying, the DDM office finally sent an incomplete list of errant mines owners. The list was prepared in such a manner that it was difficult to figure out the errant mines owners and their addresses.
The process moved ahead only after the administration took serious note of the ‘laxity’ of the DDM office and the public prosecutor too was asked to ‘sincerely’ pursue the case.
Sundargarh Collector Roopa Roshan Sahoo declined to comment on the issue, while sources in the administration said criminal cases would certainly send a stern message to the errant mines owners. Sources further said several mining companies had begun excavation of minerals in Koida without obtaining environmental clearance, while others continued to raise ores despite lapse of the environment clearance period.
A similar case has been instituted against the MCL at the court of the Sundargarh SDJM and two other cases have been filed against the OMC at Panposh SDJM court. Before arrival of the Commission’s team, most of 71 mines in Koida were closed for violation of statutory norms. As of now, around two dozens of mines are in operation.
