(a) whether great loss is being caused to environment due to excavation of mines;
(b) if so, the steps taken so far to cancel the mining lease in cases where guidelines of the Ministry of Environment are not being followed; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government so far to compensate the losses to environment?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES ( DR. DASARI NARAYANA RAO)
(a) & (b): It is recognized that mining activity could lead to environmental problems in some cases. In view of this mining leaseholders are required to comply with the requirements of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Violations attract punitive action and a large number of defaulting mines have been ordered to be closed
(c): No mining lease can be granted to any party, private or public, without a proper mining plan, including the environmental management plan, approved and enforced by statutory authorities.