Odisha to confiscate properties of two more defaulting mining companies

Keonjhar: In less than a week’s time, Odisha government today ordered for confiscation of movable and immovable assets of two defaulting mining companies in Keonjhar district.

Keonjhar district collector Ashish Thakre directed the officials to initiate proceedings against the erring companies under Odisha Public Demands Recovery Act, 1962.

While hearing a certificate case, the Collector passed the order against MR Das Mines and Arjun Lodha Mines.

As per Supreme Court directive, lease of companies including Arjun Lodha’s iron and manganese mines at Balagoda and MR Das’ iron mine at Deojhar were cancelled for their inability to pay penalty for illegal extraction of minerals between 2000-01 and 2010-10.

Worth mentioning, Arjun Lodha was fined over Rs 63.42 crore on lease area of 326.05 hectare and MR Das with over Rs 2.90 crore for lease area of 11.537 hectares.

Also Read: Odisha Govt orders property confiscation of 6 mining lessee

Earlier on June 12, the same court had directed for attachment of properties against six companies – Shiv Dutt Sharma, BPME, Narayani & Sons Limited, BK Mohanty, Odisha Mining Development Corporation (Thakurani) and Basudev Agrawal.