Yeddyurappa admits that ore is being plundered

Mineral wealth was illegally shipped out of ports over the last 8 yrs

“Iron ore worth hundreds of crores of rupees  was being smuggled in an organised manner. Mining companies used to have the permit book in their possession, and used it as they wanted. Mineral wealth used to be illegally shipped out of the port for the last eight years. Nobody had tried to check it,” he stated while replying to a question on the issue of illegal export of ore from Belekeri port recently in the Legislative Council.

The Chief Minister said illegal mining and export business was so rampant that ore illegally mined in the State was being transported from the neighbouring States also.
Action has been taken against ten companies to whom the seized iron ore dumped at the Belekeri port belonged to. These companies are also banned from doing their business until they come clean.

Action against guilty
Besides, action has been taken against guilty officials also. A deputy port superintendent has been suspended following this incident.
Another officer N D Hittalmakki has been transferred to Bidar. No officer involved in this will be spared, the Chief Minister added.

Yeddyurappa, however, refuted the opposition parties’ allegation that the Government has been encouraging the illegal iron ore export and vowed to step down from the office if he fails to act against the culprits.

“As per Lokayukta’s suggestion, it has been decided to end the permit system under the rule 31 and grant license under the Rule 21 of the Forest Act. Accordingly, every vehicle transporting iron ore must obtain license,” he stated.

At the same time, he said, a comprehensive probe is on into the alleged illegal ore export from Belekeri port. He reiterated that he is ready to take a delegation to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister to ensure that the Country’s mineral wealth is protected.
In the Assembly, the Opposition parties gave up their demand for a discussion on the Lokayukta issue under Rule 60 and settled for Rule 69.

However, Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah alleged that the government is encouraging corruption. To the opposition parties’ demanded that the Government should hand over the issue to the CBI, the Chief Minister said he is ready for a probe by either High Court or Supreme Court judge.

Chief Minister Yeddyurappa said the Government will appreciate DCF Gokul’s effort to expose the illegal ore export scandal at Belekeri port and said the officer deserves to be felicitated for his daring act to take mining mafia head-on.
DH News Service

Oppn says...
* Government had turned blind eye while ore was shipped out - M C Nanaiah (JD-S)
* The Chief Minister solely responsible for the consequence of event that lead to the Lokayukta’s resignation- Siddaramaiah (Congress)
* Chief Minister should resign and tender apology to Hegde - Motamma (Congress)