Notice to miners for harming environment

As many as 12 mining lessees have been issued notices for alleged violation of environmental law and undertaking illegal mining in Jajpur district of Odisha, an official said today.

"The district administration has issued show cause notices to 13 mining lessees including four state owned OMC operators for indulging in illegal mining," said Jajpur district Collector Anil Kumar Samal.

It is detected that they have been mining illegally for the last so many years without the mandatory environment clearance.

This apart, they have mined more than they are permitted under the laws, Samal said.

The notice also asked them to reply within two months and show as to why the prosecution will not be initiated against them for the lapses, official sources said.

Violation is detected in four mines (three mines in Sukinda chromites valley and one in Daitary) of OMC, considered the highest revenue generating PSU for the state, Samal said.

In the show cause notices the district collector has asked the violating mining operators as why the prosecution will not be initiated against for violation of environment and other laws.

"They have been asked to reply the notice within sixty days of receiving the letter," he said.