Orissa to allow mining only after all clearances in place
In a letter to steel and mines secretary Rajesh Verma, forest and environment special secretary Bhanu Pratap Singh has suggested that lessee should not be allowed to operate the mines until permission of the Union environment ministry under the FCA is obtained for the entire forest land coming within the lease along with fulfilment of other statutory clearances such as environmental clearance.
Singh also suggested that there be better sharing of information between the two departments on mining leases operating in the state.
Singh also wrote that the steel and mines department should ensure operation of mining lease only with all statutory clearnces including payment of NPV for entire forest land of the lease.
The NPV is the amount the user agencies have to deposit as per the a 2002 order of the Supreme Court for diversion of forest land to non-forest usage.
The NPV — intrinsic cost of the land, tangible and intangible benefits of the forest area — is charged at Rs.5.8 lakh to Rs.9.2 lakh per hectare depending on the type and density of the diverted forest land.
Singh said that the steel and mines department should suspend mining operation until NPV dues are paid by
Be the first to comment.
