SC appointed panel in Odisha to probe mining illegalities

A two-member expert team appointed by the Supreme Court to probe alleged mining illegalities in Odisha arrived in the state Monday, an official said.

The Central Empowered Committee of the apex court on mining, led by member secretary of the panel MK Jiwrajka, will asses the status of operational mines during its two-day stay in the state, an official of the state mining department told IANS.

The panel will also hold meeting with senior state officials and some miners here, he said.

The apex court, which is conducting a hearing on alleged illegal mining cases, last month ordered temporary closure of 26 mines in the state on the basis of an interim report the panel submitted to it.

Meanwhile, eight of the mines resumed operation after the government renewed their lease agreements.