Parliamentary panel to assess pollution from mining

Apart from reviewing present status of pollution in Bhubaneswar, it will also take stock of mitigation measures taken to prevent environmental degradation

A Parliamentary standing committee on science & technology and environment & forests will embark on a two-day study visit to Odisha on June 27-28.

The panel, apart from reviewing present status of pollution in Bhubaneswar, will also take stock of mitigation measures taken to prevent environmental degradation arising out of mining activities in the state.

In this connection, the Union ministry of environment & forest (MoEF) has sought status note from the state government on pollution abatement measures by June 11. On June 28, the Parliamentary panel will interact with top officials of the Odisha government including chief secretary, secretaries of departments of energy, steel & mines, transport, forest & environment, urban development as well as senior officials of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), chairman and members of Odisha Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), chairman of Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). Apart from Bhubaneswar, the Parliamentary committee is visiting Srinagar and Chandigarh between June 23-29.