The Union home ministry wants state governments to take proactive action against illegal mining as it has become a national security threat.
In a recent meeting with the states, the home ministry said that windfall profits from such mining of minerals and sand were being used by the mafia to aid extremist elements.
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government today ordered closure of five mines in Keonjhar district for violation of forest laws.
The mines which have been asked to be closed are the Katasahi Tata mines, BC Deb iron ore and manganese mines, Thakurani iron ore and manganese mines, the OMDC mines at Belagunthi and HG Pandya mines at Jajanga.
Forests play an important role in enhancing livelihood requirements for rural community and also in maintaining ecological balance. Moreover, they provide many tangible and intangible goods and services viz., timber, fuelwood, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), and have recreation and aesthetic value.
While the issue of crop diversification for better returns has always topped the agenda of agriculture experts, horticultural crops, especially for high and waste lands, have shown new promise with good returns.
The farmers of the different villages in Salabania gram panchayat in Keonjhar district in a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have stated that if their demands are not met by November 26 they would commit mass suicide.
BHUBANESWAR: With the multi-crore mining scam likely to raise storm in the Assembly tomorrow, the State Government has suspended operation in 128 mines located in the districts.
Official sources said suspension of mining activities in 128 mines has been ordered mostly for violation of laws under forest and environment clearance and non-renewal of mining permission.
