Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6: The six-member Shah Commission team today expressed its displeasure at reports of mining having taken place within the buffer zone of Similipal wildlife sanctuary in the mineral-rich Mayurbhanj district.

Sources said the team, which came to know about mining in Similipal, from the digital map of the area, was shocked that such a thing could happen in an area that is under round-the-clock surveillance of the state forest department.

The panel members sought an immediate explanation from the state government officials on the issue. The officials, who reportedly admitted to mining having taken place in the area in the past, assured the commission that all illegal activities within the sanctuary had come to a halt as mining and environmental laws were being strictly enforced now.

The commission also received petitions from steel manufacturers, who lashed out at the state government for failing to supply them the required quantum of iron ore.