As many as 12 mining leaseholders have been issued notices for alleged violation of environmental laws and undertaking illegal mining in Jajpur district.
The district administration has issued show-cause notices to the mining lessees, including four State-run Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) operators, for allegedly indulging in illegal mining, according to district Collector Anil Kumar Samal.
It is detected that the lessees have been mining illegally for last several years without the mandatory environment clearance.
Besides, they have mined more than they are permitted under the laws, said official sources.
The notices also asked them to reply within two months and show as to why prosecution would not
be initiated against them for the lapses, the sources said.
Violation is detected in four mines, three mines in the Sukinda chromite valley and one in Daitary, of the OMC, which is the highest revenue generating PSU of the State.