CEC to lay down principles for mining activity

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court of India would soon lay down the principles to guide mining operations in adherence to protection of forest and environment.

It has also appreciated the Orissa government’s view that there are certain grey areas pertaining to the deemed renewal extension of mining leases (ML).

CEC made these observations while hearing a case pertaining to illegal mining in Orissa, sources said.

CEC stated that the state government should grant mining lease (ML) to a person only when there is a forest clearance from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF). Similarly, the environmental clearance from the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) must be obtained.

There cannot be any mining within a wildlife sanctuary or national park without specific order from the apex court. Moreover, mining cannot be allowed within one kilometer radius of a national park or wildlife sanctuary.

It wanted to know from the state government how many mines are not in accordance with these provisions and asked the government to take appropriate action against them.

The state government, represented by the steel and mines secretary and secretary, forest and environment department, submitted that the operations of 165 mines, which didn’t conform to these stipulations, have been suspended.

The errant mines have been issued show cause notice as per the provisions of law seeking explanation from them as to why their lease would not be canceled. It may be noted, the state government was allowing deemed extension of lease to the mining lease holders in the non-forest areas under Section 24 (A) 6 of MMDR Act, which has been termed as illegal by the petitioners. CEC, sources said, opined that this is a grey area which can be clarified by the Supreme Court.