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Bhubaneswar: The team of Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has expressed ‘satisfaction’ over the steps taken by the Odisha government in handling the mining related issues.
The two-member team, on first day of their two-day visit held discussions with senior bureaucrats here and enquired about the status of mines operating under deemed extension. Official sources said, the team is scheduled to meet the mine lease holders tomorrow.
During their hour-long discussion with development commissioner Injeti Srinivas who also heads the high level committee set up to renew the mining leases, the team vetted files of the eight mines, which were allowed to operate recently in compliance with the Supreme Court order.
These included four leases of Tata Steel — Bamebari, Katamati, Joda East and Joda West, three of Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and one lease held by state-run Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).
"Before submitting its recommendations to the SC, the CEC talked to Odisha government officials to find out the State's views. During the discussions they have shown satisfaction with the steps taken by the government," I Srinivas, Development Commissioner told mediapersons.
The decision have already been taken to restart mining activities at eight mines. Regarding the rest 18 mines, the inter-departmental committee will give its recommendations to the government soon, he added.
Sources added, the CEC team will try to asses the situation in respect of the affected mines in the aftermath of SC's interim order.
“The CEC had recently submitted an interim report to the SC regarding the status of mines under deemed extension based on the recommendations of the state government. Now, the members will check the status of mines for an independent assessment,” an official said.
Later, the visiting officials too held discussions with state mines director, steel and mines secretary, forest and environment department secretary, state pollution control board members and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) among others.
