The state of Odisha is largest producer of iron ore with highest number of mining lease.  In Odisha, the Barbil-Koira Valley falling within Keonjhar and Sundergarh district is having highest number of iron ore mines which produces largest quantity of India’s richest hematite iron deposit.  Operation of large number of iron ore mine in this region has resulted in fragmentation of forest, which is also a prime elephant habitat along with rapid deterioration in environmental quality that is affecting the health of people residing therein.  The major reason for air pollution in this region is fugitive dust emission due to movement of large number trucks involved in the transportation of ore.  The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India (MoEF&CC) while issuing prior environmental clearance to any iron ore mining projects stipulating specific condition for the compliance of recommendation of CSIR-NEERI report on “Carrying capacity study for environmentally sustainable iron and manganese ore mining activity in Kenjhar, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj district of Odisha state”.