Central Empowered Committee asks Orissa Govt details on 602 Mines

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), appointed by Supreme Court of India, has asked the state government the details about all the 602 mines. The Orissa government is to submit the details about all the mines to CEC by February 15, 2010. PV Jayakrishnan is heading the CEC.

According to media reports, the state government said that out of the total 602 mines in the state, 274 are in operation and closed mines number are 139. And 189 have applied for renewal of the mining leases in the state. Mining laws violations were reported in the state, which could the major reason for the directive from the CEC.