By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Additional Chief Secretary Forest Environment and Climate Change , Home Satyabrat Sahu has reviewed Forest Clearance issues of Dholtapahar iron ore mines of Kasvi, Kalta Iron Ore Mines of SAIL, Gandhalpada and Kalmang West Iron ore mines of Tata, Sijimali Bauxite mines of Vedanta, Kuturmali and Balda Bauxite mines of Adani, Kotameta Limestone mines of Dalmia, Kusumdihi Iron ore mines of Trustline Mining and Netrabandh Pahar Iron ore mines of Bhusan.
He also reviewed exploration proposal of the Geological Survey of India and Akharkata Mines of Kundal Goldmines Ltd, Integrated Steel Plant Proposal of Kalyani Steel Ltd and IREL mining project of Chilka division by Indian Rare Earth Ltd.
Director Mines & Geology informed the meeting that while the State Government has processed most mining projects timely they are largely pending for approval at the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change MoEF & CC level. Projects awaiting MoEF & CC clearance include Kotameta Limestone mines of Dalmia Sijimali Bauxite mines of Vedanta and Gandhalpada Iron ore mines of Tata.
ACS Sahu examined the progress and current status mines of various companies. ACS Sahu directed all Regional Chief Conservators of Forests RCCFs and Divisional Forest Officers DFOs to proactively act upon new and upcoming proposals giving top priority to forest diversion for various projects.
Nodal Officers were instructed to monitor facilitate and ensure compliance at all stages to prevent unnecessary delays. User agencies were advised to submit all necessary documents maps and enclosures to concerned DFOs without delay.
Further the ACS emphasized strict adherence to set timelines and urged all concerned departments to work in close coordination. The Forest Department was also directed to proactively and expeditiously facilitate the submission of Forest Diversion Proposals by various industries that have signed MoUs with the Department of Industries.
ACS Shri Sahu directed all Regional Chief Conservators of Forests RCCFs and Divisional Forest Officers DFOs to proactively act upon new and upcoming proposals giving top priority to forest diversion for critical infrastructure projects. Nodal Officers were instructed to monitor facilitate and ensure compliance at all stages to prevent unnecessary delays. User agencies were advised to submit all necessary documents maps and enclosures to concerned DFOs without delay.
Additional PCCF Nodal Dr K Murugesan Officer on Special Duty and Special Secretary FE&CC Department Shri Lingaraj Otta OPTCL officials CCF Nodal A K Kar DDG GSI Chief Engineer NH Division Shri Virendra Singh RO NHAI all RCCFs and DFOs and senior officers of the User Agencies attended the review meeting.
