New Delhi: A Supreme Court-appointed committee has found largescale illegal mining in Karnataka, particularly in Bellary forest region, in connivance with officials and politicians, after which the apex court sought a response from the state government.
The report by SC-appointed Central Empowered Committee over mining in Bellary region in Karnataka during 2003 and 2010 highlighted that Karnataka government failed to take action against the illegal mining which continued in 2009-10 despite a report by state Lokayukta.
“Illegal mining on a massive scale took place particularly during 2009 and 2010 in the forest area, even after the filing of the report by the Lokayukta, Karanataka,” said the CEC adding “the forest cover in these areas, as seen from the satellite imageries, have been wiped out”.
Admitting the report, a special forest bench headed by chief justice S H Kapadia issued a notice to the state government and sought its response on the committee’s findings including the export of 304.91 lakh metric tonnes of iron ore, valued Rs 15,245 crore, without valid permit between 2003 to 2010. Bellary region assumes importance because of the business of powerful mining magnates and politicians Reddy brothers in the area. Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the CEC, requested the bench to pass an urgent order to stay mining in some areas. PTI
“Illegal mining on a massive scale took place particularly during 2009 and 2010 in the forest area, even after the filing of the report by the Lokayukta, Karanataka,” said the CEC adding “the forest cover in these areas, as seen from the satellite imageries, have been wiped out”.
Admitting the report, a special forest bench headed by chief justice S H Kapadia issued a notice to the state government and sought its response on the committee’s findings including the export of 304.91 lakh metric tonnes of iron ore, valued Rs 15,245 crore, without valid permit between 2003 to 2010. Bellary region assumes importance because of the business of powerful mining magnates and politicians Reddy brothers in the area. Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the CEC, requested the bench to pass an urgent order to stay mining in some areas. PTI
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