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.

Govt of India asks POSCO India to file fresh proposal for its Orissa SEZ

The Government of India has asked Posco India Pvt Ltd, the arm of South Korean Steel maker to apply fresh application for setting up SEZ in Orissa. The Posco project has been held up since 2005, the year it signed MoU with the Orissa State government.

Due to protest by local people, Posco India has been problem in acquiring around 4,000 acres of land. Posco is scheduled to set up 12 million-tonnes project with Special Economic Zone status in Orissa. On Wednesday, Posco India Pvt Ltd is asked to file Form A - afresh application for setting up the 12 mtpa plant in Orissa.