Hundreds of mines closed following NGT order

Hundreds of minor minerals mines, which failed to obtain the National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandated environment clearance (EC) in Kota region were forced to discontinue operations, leaving thousands of labourers without work. The NGT, vide its order dated January 13, 2015 had directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to draft a policy on environmental clearance (EC) for mining leases.
Initially, the NGT had set a time limit of six months for the mines to obtain EC and later extended it till January this year. Thereafter, seeking another extension on the time limit, the Rajasthan government had approached the NGT, which declined the request and made it clear for the mine owners to apply for EC and obtain it latest by May 31, 2016.