The committee to monitor the verification of records of all the mining leases (ML) or renewal mining leases (RML), constituted by the Orissa government, is likely to submit its report soon. The committee is headed by the director of mines (group leader) and included conservator of forests, a senior scientist of Orissa State Pollution Control Board, one mining engineer of the Directorate of Mines (DoM) and a joint director of mines (DoM) as members.
The status report being prepared by the committee is expected to enable the state government to furnish the state’s response in Supreme Court hearings, sources said. While monitoring the verifications of records, the committee was asked to ensure whether the principles of law were adhered to in operation of mines. In case of any deviation. “The committee would submit its report soon after which we would be able to take a decision on the implementation of various suggestions of the committee”, Manoj Ahuja, secretary, steel and mines department, Orissa government, said.