A task force of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), constituted by the Ministry of Mines, in its interim report to the Centre has said that of the 18 mines inspected in Karnataka, 10 were found to be flouting mineral conservation and development rules.
The task force also recommended stalling of operations by five mines with immediate effect in Karnataka (the names of the mines have not been made available).
In Andhra Pradesh, the task force has inspected 11 mines, and violation of rules was found in eight. Five mines have been recommended for suspension of licence.
The task force was set up by Minister for Mining B K Handique following complaints about the mushrooming of illegal mines.
He also asked nodal officers at all regional offices of the IBM to look out for illegal mining in mineral-rich states.
Ordering a crackdown on illegal mining, the Ministry of Mines has asked state governments to take effective steps and to submit monthly reports. Terming illegal mining a national crime, the ministry has also favoured stringent action against the mining mafia.
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