New Delhi: The Centre was today directed by National Green Tribunal not to grant new permission or expansion of existing mining activity in Keonjhar district in Odisha as the Tribunal expressed concern over pollution in drinking water in the area.
A bench, headed by Justice P Jyothimani, issued notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Odisha government, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and others while posting the matter for next hearing on November 24.
Serajuddin and Company, Rungta Mines Ltd, Essel Mining and Industries Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd and Thriveni Earthmovers Private Ltd have mines in the district and have been made parties in the matter.
"Considering the seriousness of the issues involved in this case, there is pollution of the drinking water to a large extent and even animals like elephants are dying as it is seen in the newspaper reports produced by the applicant, we are prima facie satisfied that there should be an interim order in the interest of preserving environment and ecology of the area.
"Accordingly, while admitting the application, we direct respondent nos 1 to 6 (Centre and others) not to grant any new permission or expansion of the existing mining activity for further mining of iron ore or beneficiation plant," the bench said.
It also directed the mining companies to scrupulously follow various conditions stipulated in the environmental clearance by the competent authority and the consent to establish as well as consent to operate. (More) PTI PKS ABA