The MOEF order has observed that both the mines -- GangadharNarsinghdas Agrawal and Pandurang Timblo Industries, had no clearance from theNational Board for Wildlife as both these mining leases operate within 10 kmsaway from the wildlife sanctuary.
MoEF director P B Rastogi has asked both the mines to shuttheir operations for violating section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Rastogi has asked the units to henceforth stop all theproject activities with immediate effect and the compliance of the directionsshould be reported within 15 days from the date of issue of this direction.
The directions from MoEF came after its regional office,based at Bangalore, inspected the mining leases and found them not to beimplementing various conditions and environmental safeguards.
The mining lease holders had even submitted their reply tothe MoEF, but the ministry was not satisfied as the mine owners had notobtained the requisite clearance from the standing committee of the NationalBoard for Wildlife as was required to be obtained pursuant to the order of theSupreme Court dated December 04, 2006.
