Major Environmental Violations: Forest Department Cracks Down on Thakurani Iron Ore Mines
Keonjhar: The Forest Department has issued a show-cause-cum-reprimand notice to Thakurani Iron Ore Mines (AMNS), operated by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, for serious violations of environmental and forest laws in the mining belt of Kendujhar district.
During inspections, officials found multiple lapses:
– No water sprinkling on Thakurani–Nalda Road and Nalda–Kiriburu Chowk, leading to severe dust pollution.
– Parking areas also lacked sprinkling, worsening emissions.
– Roads passing through protected forest land were being used without mandatory forest diversion approval, violating the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
– The Avenue plantation, ordered two years ago, was poorly maintained, with a survival rate of saplings below 50%.
– Uncontrolled movement of heavy vehicles caused serious air pollution in nearby villages.
– Local complaints, filed through the Joda grievance cell by the village sarpanch, highlighted rising respiratory illnesses among residents.
– Environmental management works, such as garland drains, dump stabilisation, and retaining walls, were found incomplete and neglected.
Forest Department’s Stern Warning
The department has directed the company to explain within 15 days why legal action should not be taken against them. Immediate corrective measures have been ordered, including:
– Regular water sprinkling on roads and parking areas.
– Controlled vehicle movement to reduce dust emissions.
– Stopping the use of forest land until statutory clearance is obtained.
– Re-plantation of avenue trees, ensuring at least 90% survival rate.
– Submission of compliance reports with photographic evidence.
Ministry & Pollution Control Board’s Role
This action is based on violations of environmental guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and conditions set by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board.
Officials emphasised that the issue is not just a matter of legal non-compliance but a serious threat to public health and environmental safety in the mining region.
