White Paper on Illegal Mining in Orissa

Introduction

The illegal mining in the rich mineral bearing states like Orissa, Karnataka, Goa, Chhatishgarh and Andhra Pradesh has turned out to be a major issue with various political parties going to the extent of demanding an enquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) into the matter. 

It created ripples in the political circle with major political parties highlighting the issue and involvement of the government in the matter. Issue of alleged illegal mining rocked Orissa during last one year with a Bench headed by Chief Justice of Supreme Court Justice K G Balakrishnan directing the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to submit a report on the alleged mining scam in the state. 

The directions were issued on an application filed by a senior journalist Rabi Das from Orissa. The CEC, appointed by the Supreme Court of India, submitted the report to the Apex Court, after completion of the hearing from the side of Orissa government and the Petitioner. The CEC’s report found that the mining companies violated various environmental and statutory norms and the illegal mining was going on for a long time.

Orissa Assembly also witnessed acrimonious scenes and disruptions in the proceedings over the issue. The state government categorically ruled out the possibility of an enquiry by the Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI), even though the opposition members in the state assembly made strong demand for it both inside and outside of the house. 

Figure :  Odisha State

Genesis of illegal mining

As the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) appointed by the Supreme Court of India pointed out the illegal mining activities has been going on in Orissa for a long time.

Even before the issue illegal mining was raised in the floors of the Orissa Legislative Assembly (OLA), the government in the steel and mines department had received complaint pertaining to illegal mining by private companies from Mr Prahalad Prusty, an ex-MLA, in December 2008. 

The complainant alleged illegal mining operations in Kasiabeda mines in Mayurbhanj district in Orissa. The steel and mines department had constituted a team of officers led by CVO of the department and based on its report legal action was initiated.

The actions included suspension of the Deputy Director of Mines (DDM), Baripada and Senior Inspector of Mines, Baripada (ii) and recovery of the cost of 64000 tons of excess iron ore extracted from outside the lease hold area by Mr B K Das, the ML holder. Besides, administrative enquiry into the alleged violation of rule 37 of the Mineral Concession Rule (MCR), 1960 was also initiated by the department.

Then, on August 26th, 2008, the Union ministry of mines enclosing a letter from the Office of the Hon’ble Prime Minister along with representation of allegations dated 20th July 2009 was sent to the Orissa government in the Steel and Mines department.

Next day, on 27th August 2009, the state government received another letter from the Union Ministry of Mines enclosing a letter from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat regarding mentioning of the matter of urgent importance by Sri Rama Chandra Khuntia, MP on 21st July, 2009 in Rajya Sabha.

Similarly, the Union Ministry of Mines, in a letter on 2nd September 2009, enclosing a representation from Dr Giridhar Gomango, the former Hon’ble Union Minister and Chief Minister addressed to the Union minister of Mines and a joint representation signed by Sri Narasingha Misra and others addressed to the Union Minister of Mines. Finally, on 7th September 2009, the Union Mines secretary sent a Demi-Official (DO) letter to the Orissa Chief Secretary on the mater.

The representations in its totality suggested that a joint team of India Bureau of Mines (IBM), Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) and Department of Environment and Forests, Government of India be deputed to the state to ascertain the same. Secondly, Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) be directed to take up investigations into the matter of illegal mining.

Essentially these complaints pertained to the alleged illegal mining of manganese ore by a private company called M/s Ram Bahadur Thakur Ltd. (RBTL) in over Rudukela and Katasahi manganese mines located in Keonjhar district. The alleged illegal mining and mining scam resulted in the suspension of seven officials and arrest of one power of attorney holder. 

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