No quarry operating near Bannerghatta park: minister

Mines and Geology Minister Rajashekar Patil on Wednesday claimed that there wasn't a single quarry that was operational in and around the Bannerghatta National Park.

Replying to BJP MLC Arun Shahpur in the Legislative Council, Patil said the department had granted 27 stone quarry leases within 10 km of the BNP boundary and 48 leases in Kanakapura taluk in Ramanagaram district.

However, as the quarries were found to be indulging in various violations, the department had decided to suspend their licences for an indefinite period.

When Shahpur mentioned that a reporter, who had gone to highlight illegal quarrying activities near the BNP recently had been attacked, Patil said the matter had been brought to his notice.

"Upon enquiry, it was established that there no quarrying activities taking place in the area. I have, however, decided to personally visit and inspect the spot soon," he added.