Panel to recommend Cap on Minerals Extraction in Odisha

In bid to check various malpractices, the task force on mining formed by the Government of Odisha on Tuesday decided to form a sub-committee to examine the quantum of minerals to be transported.

The sub-committee will be formed with representatives from Forest and Environment Department, Pollution Control Board, Director, Mines and Director, Environment. It will submit its report to the government within 15 to 20 days.

“The sub-committee will decide and recommend the government regarding the exact cap on extraction of minerals from Joda and Koida circles for 2015-16. The government will take a decision on the basis of the recommendations made by sub-committee,” said Deepak Mohanty, Director of Mines.

“Some more mines may be reopened on the basis of amendments to the MMDR Act”, he added.

The task force also decided to conduct Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) survey of the 148 remaining iron ore and manganese ore mines in the state. Lease holders of these mines will be required to complete DGPS survey within six to nine months.

It is to be noted that DGPS surveys of 39 mines were conducted following recommendations of Justice Shah Commission of Inquiry.

Another squad will also be formed in order to check the minerals theft; the decision came in a task force meeting held in the premises of Secretariat, Govt of Odisha.