The State Government on Monday issued notices to as many as 152 mining leaseholders in connection with illegal mining and for not abiding by environment clearance norms.
Among the 152 leaseholders, 47 in the Koida Mining Circle in Sundargarh district were issued notices to pay penalty to the State Government for not complying with the environment-related guidelines.
As per the notices, the leaseholders are required to pay the fine by December 31, 2017.
The amount of fine has been calculated on the basis of the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) constituted by the Supreme Court.
The demand notices have explained in details on how leaseholders would be depositing the fine amounts with the Government.
The Government has issued the notices as per the judgement of the Supreme Court directing the State to impose a 100-per cent penalty on the mining leaseholders and analyse legal aspects of the order to finalise the amount.
The BJP has strongly opposed the State Government’s policy with regard to the collection of fine from leaseholders for illegal mining.
The party has alleged that the Government created confusion by mentioning Rs 17,576 crore worth penalties instead of Rs 59,000 crore, which it was supposed to realise from 146 lessees as per its statement before the apex court.
On the other hand, Eastern Zonal Mining Association (EZMA) general Secretary
Prabodh Mohanty in his reaction to the demand notices said they are likely to move the Supreme Court in the matter and seek an extension of the deadline for depositing the fine levied on them. They would also seek for payment of the fine amount in instalments.