2011 (8) TMI 1339 - SC - Indian Laws

Summary

Issues involved: Extension of mining ban to Districts Tumkur and Chitradurga, determination of quantity of iron ore to be released from existing stock, survey and demarcation of mining leases, appointment of government agency for sale of stock, extension of environmental study to Districts Tumkur and Chitradurga.

Extension of Mining Ban to Districts Tumkur and Chitradurga:
The Supreme Court extended the mining ban to Districts Tumkur and Chitradurga based on the Report of Central Empowered Committee (&39;CEC&39;). The ban was imposed pending further orders to address the issue of iron ore extraction and its impact on the Steel Industry.

Determination of Quantity of Iron Ore to be Released:
The Court sought inputs from various stakeholders, including the learned Amicus Curiae, learned Attorney General, lessees, Association of Steel Industry, and other affected parties, to determine the quantity of iron ore that could be released from the existing stock of 25 million tonnes. This determination was subject to the submission of reclamation and rehabilitation plans.

Survey and Demarcation of Mining Leases:
The Court directed the Joint Team to carry out a survey and demarcation of mining leases in Districts Bellary, Tumkur, and Chitradurga. This order was extended to all the mining leases in these districts to ensure proper oversight and compliance with regulations.

Appointment of Government Agency for Sale of Stock:
On the next hearing date, the CEC was required to furnish the name of the Government Agency responsible for effecting sales of the existing stock of iron ore. This agency would also be tasked with keeping accounts of the sale proceeds, including royalty payable at the rate of ten percent of the market price.

Extension of Environmental Study to Districts Tumkur and Chitradurga:
The Court extended its previous order directing the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to undertake a macro-level Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study in District Bellary to now include Districts Tumkur and Chitradurga. This extension aimed to ensure comprehensive environmental evaluation and the submission of reclamation and rehabilitation plans for these districts.

The matter was scheduled to be placed before the Court on 16th September 2011 for further proceedings and compliance with the directives issued.