National tribunal restrains Centre from granting permission for fresh mining in Keonjhar district

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. 

The Tribunal directed MoEF, CPCB and others to file status reports in respect of mining being carried out in the area regarding their environmental compliance. The bench was hearing a petition filed by Rahul Kumar Agrawal who has alleged that the MoEF had granted environmental clearance to the respondent industries for mining of iron ore in contravention of the various acts and laws related to environment and wildlife for expansion of iron ore mining.

The plea, filed through advocate Ashwini Kumar Dubey, has sought constitution of a committee of independent experts to assess the situation and suggest the remedial measures. The plea has alleged that excessive extraction of iron and manganese ore in Keonjhar has caused huge pollution in the area and people are not able to take fresh air and water.

"Due to the excessive extraction and illegal mining, the forest of the area are destroyed and the wildlife of the area is highly affected. There are also many serious health diseases found in the area due to the high pollution level," the plea said.