BHUBANESWAR: The Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) probing into illegal mining in the State on Tuesday sought additional information from the State Government on mineral extraction, boundary disputes and violation of mining laws by lease holders.
“The CEC members needed certain clarifications which were provided by officials concerned. They have sought additional information from the State Government which will be provided within stipulated time,” Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra told reporters after a meeting with CEC members.
During the two-day field visit to mining areas, the CEC team led by PV Jayakrishna found major discrepancies in the data produced by the lessees and the State Government with regard to lease area boundaries and mineral extraction. The CEC has given an opportunity to the lessees to present their clarification or depositions with relevant documents before the committee in Delhi between July 22 and 25. “The CEC has asked for some statistics. We have already started compiling the data and hope to submit the information before July 21,” said Director of Mines Deepak Mohanty.
The State Government has called a meeting of the lessees here on July 18 to discuss relevant issues before submitting additional information to the CEC.
The probe panel, which is investigating status of illegal mining in Odisha based on actions taken by the State Government since 2009, had found that several miners allegedly raised iron ore and manganese beyond their lease boundary and approved mining plan. Some of the miners have also raised minerals illegally from forest areas. While the State Government has raised a demand of `60,000 crore from the miners for excess mining of minerals, some of them have challenged the penalties imposed by the State.
After hearing the lessees on July 25, the CEC is expected to finalise its report on illegal mining. The panel is likely to submit its report to the SC by the end of July.
Discrepancies
The CEC found major discrepancies in the data produced by the lessees and the State Govt with regard to lease area boundaries and mineral extraction
The State Government has called a meeting of the lessees here on July 18 to discuss relevant issues before submitting additional information to the CEC