Bhubaneswar: A recent inspection conducted jointly by Khurda Collector and pollution control board officials, as per the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has found illegal laterite mining in Khurda district.
The inspection was carried out after concerns were raised before the NGT over illegal laterite mining in the district creating environmental hazards in the region. The mining activities were undertaken without following the rule of the law. It was alleged that the standard protocol for mining was not followed by the miners, thereby affecting the lives of people living nearby.
In a recent hearing of the case before the NGT, the tribunal admitted that the report has hinted at defiance of rules. The written order of the two-judge bench of the NGT said, “The report indicates that illegal mining of the laterite is being undertaken in the form of rat hole mining without following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for mining and other environmental norms.”
Going tough against the erring miners, the environment watchdog directed the government to ensure that no such mining activities are undertaken without requisite norms. While directing action against the miners, it said, “In view of the clear findings of the Committee, we direct the District Collector, Khurdha, the Odhisa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), the Director of Mines, Bhubaneswar and the SEIAA, Odhisa to take immediate steps to ensure that the mines are not operated until all the requirements of law both environment and mining are complied with.”
It also said that it would be necessary for them to assess the quantum of the laterite mined so far, the environmental damage cause and the cost of restitution. The NGT order also made Director of Mines, Bhubaneswar as the new respondent in the case.
The NGT has also asked the Joint Committee of the Collector, Member Secretary of the OSPCB and others to conduct inspection further to verify the allegations of the petitioner and assess losses. The OSPCB has now been made the nodal agency for the purpose for coordination and logistics. The case has been adjourned for two months.