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Bhubaneswar: Pushed on the back foot over difference between base map and differential global positioning system (DGPS) of the mining areas as observed by Justice MB Shah Commission of enquiry, the state government has reportedly readied itself to counter all possible questions of the probing panel arriving here on Tuesday.
According to official sources, the panel during its last visit to state had questioned on the aforesaid difference in areas in most maping of as many as 144 mines, which were provided by the state government.
Sources said the state government will maintain that DGPS maps provided on the previous occasion were incomplete as the revenue department was yet to complete the disitisation process of the mines in question. In addition to that since the DGPS map is based on figures of the base map prepared way back in the 1960s the difference is obvious.
To deal with the legal hurdles, the state government in this regard has formed a three-member team of Supreme Court lawyers led by UU Lalit.
The panel which is most likely to complete its hearing during its state visit starting Tuesday, has reportedly sought specific information on certain queries from 186 iron ore and manganese mines lease holders of the state.
During the second phase of investigation last year, the commission had also raised certain questions on the mining activities within 10 km radius of the Similipal Biosphere.
Though at least eight iron ore mines were allowed to different companies for mining within 10 km radius of the Similipal Biosphere, only three were in operational stage, director of mines Deepak Mohanty had said.
