Shah panel to hold public hearings

BHUBANESWAR: The Central Government- appointed Justice MB Shah Commission probing the illegal mining activities in different parts of the country, is likely to conduct at least two public hearings during its Odisha visit.Official sources said an eight-member team of the Commission led by Justice M B Shah would arrive here on Wednesday for an on-the-spot inquiry into illegal mining activities in the State, particularly of iron ore.After holding discussions with Government officials on illegal mining activities and steps taken to check them, the members are scheduled to leave for Keonjhar district on Thursday where illegal activities are reported to be high.The Commission is likely to hold a public hearing in Keonjhar and visit some mines in that district. It will also visit Koida mining areas in Sundargarh district. The Commission is also scheduled to conduct a public hearing in the Capital.“We have complied with all the queries made by the Commission. The State Government will provide all assistance to the visiting members,” Chief Secretary BK Patnaik told mediapersons, adding that the Government had taken a series of steps  to check illegal mining  activities.The Commission had earlier sought clarification and information from the Government, sources said adding that the Forest and Environment Department has also been told to submit report on violation of the Forest Acts.The Shah Commission’s proposed visit is considered significant as the Government has repeatedly refused to hand over investigation of the illegal mining issue to CBI.  The issue is likely to be debated during the winter session of the Assembly beginning December 9.