Parliament Question: Impact of steel operations and related mining in Odisha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1613 FOR ANSWER ON 13.02.2026 IMPACT OF STEEL OPERATIONS AND RELATED MINING IN ODISHA 1613. DR. SASMIT PATRA: Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware of continuing concerns relating to environmental degradation, contamination of land and water sources, adverse public health outcomes arising specifically from iron ore mining undertaken for steel production and operation of steel plants in the mineral-rich districts of Odisha; and (b) the details of inspections, environmental, safety and statutory compliance audits, social and community impact assessments, and remedial or punitive actions carried out by Ministry of Steel, or other agencies under its administrative control in these districts during the last three years, including the nature of violations detected, directions issued, penalties imposed, and current status of compliance? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL (a)to(b): The Government is sensitive to concerns relating to environmental degradation. A comprehensive regulatory and monitoring framework is in place involving multiple agencies such as the Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards, Directorate General of Mines Safety, and other statutory authorities to ensure compliance with environmental and safety norms. They operate as per the rules and regulations mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Inspections, environmental compliance monitoring, and related statutory audits are carried out by the concerned regulatory agencies under their respective mandates. The concerned authorities also take appropriate actions in case of violations. *****