(1) Every holder of an exploration licence or a production lease shall take appropriate steps to ensure systematic disposal of waste generated during mining.or processing operations within the offshore area.
(2) In case the wastes including hazardous wastes generated during exploration or production operations can be used economically for construction and other purposes, it may be transported from the licence area or lease area as the case may be, on payment of appropriate royalty. In case it is required to be dumped, either on-shore or offshore as a means of disposal, the holder of the exploration licence or a production lease shall take appropriate steps and measures to dispose such solid wastes including hazardous wastes arising out of exploration or production operations as specified under the law for the time being in force.
(3) Wherever possible the waste material shall be backfilled into the excavated portion with a view to restore seabed to its original shape and condition as far as possible.