- (1.) Orissa sawmill matters IA No. 941 in IA Nos. 754-55 with IA Nos. 777, 1131-33, 1138-46, 1184, 1272 in IA Nos. 754-55, 1361, 1579-80 in IA No. 941 We have heard the learned counsel for the parties as well as Mr P.S. Narasimha, learned amicus curiae.
(2.) These applications relate to the sawmills in the State of Orissa. This Court had earlier directed that no sawmills should be established within a radius of 10 km from the boundary of the forest area.
(3.) Pursuant to the directions of this Court many of the sawmills in the State of Orissa were closed down. At the same time, this Court having realised that those sawmills which were closed down are required to be rehabilitated, passed the orders on 10-7-2009. T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India , (2009) 16 SCC 481 directing the State of Orissa to make necessary arrangements to have industrial estates and take appropriate steps in that regard, if necessary, by making amendments to the provisions of the Orissa Saw Mills and Sawpits (Control) Act, 1991 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act") and the Rules framed thereunder. The Court vide its order dated 10-7-2009 T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India, (2009) 16 SCC 481 accordingly, directed the State of Orissa to take urgent steps in that regard and ensure appropriate amendments to the said provisions of the Act and the Rules made thereunder so that the eligible applicants amongst the closed sawmills could be appropriately rehabilitated in due course.;