Ten miners operating in the state are in the dock for violation of Environment Protection Act -1986.
The miners found guilty of violating the Act include Hindalco Industries, Essel Mining & Industries, Serajuddin & Company and B C Dagra among others.
The state environment department has asked the respective district collectors, under whose jurisdiction these mines are operating, to initiate legal action against the errant miners by invoking Section 19 of the Environment Protection Act (EPA).
"We have asked the district collectors of Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar to take cognizance of the matter and initiate legal action against these errant miners under Section 19 of the EPA", said Bhagirathi Behera, director (environment), Orissa government.