(a) whether the Government has taken note of illegal mining occurring near wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has received complaints from various States relating to such illegal mining during the last three years;
(d) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise; and
(e) the action taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) to (e) State Governments (Department of mines and Geology)are the nodal authority in the State for dealing with the allotment of mining leases under Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 [MMDR Act] under the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India. It is entrusted with enforcement and regulation of mining operations in their respective states including illegal mining. Further, the State Government is empowered under section 23 C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and regulation) Act 1957(MMDR Act) to make rules for prevention of illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals. The projects of mining require prior environmental clearance as per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, as amended from time to time, notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The enforcement of various legal provisions including enforcement of guidelines for sustainable mining with a view to containing the menace of illegal mining is purely in the domain of the State Governments and UT’s Administrations. All representation received regarding illegal mining are forwarded to concerned state authorities for appropriate action. State-wise details of receipts enclosed as annexure.
***