CM cracks whip on errant mining firms

The CEC had slammed the government for allowing illegal mining.

Officials sources indicated that the government will be filing its report before the Supreme Court on April 21. It will explain the action taken by it as well as answer some of the issues raised by the CEC in its report. It may favour suspending mining activities in the State. This will be in tune with the observation made by the CEC.

The government may also suspend mineral dispatch permits to transport iron ore of those companies who have been implicated in the CEC report.

Such a serious action could be taken under the recently amended Karnataka (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of Minerals) Rules, 2011. An official order to this effect is likely to be issued on Monday.

The CEC submitted its report in four volumes to the court on Friday. A list of mining companies who are into illegality has been furnished.

While the government has time and again favoured banning mining in the State, a majority of the rules initiated by the government in the last two years have been stayed by the high court following mining companies challenging them. But this time the government will be taking action based on the CEC which is appointed by the apex court; it is to be seen whether mining firms will be able to get a stay in the high court or the Supreme Court itself, officials sources said.

However, Yeddyurappa has decided not to hurry though he has to take action based on the recommendations of the CEC to impose five-fold fine on errant mining owners.

The government decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Yeddyurappa in Bangalore. PWD Minister C M Udasi, Chief Secretary S V Ranganath, Secretary to department of Industries and Commerce (Mines) B S Ramprasad and other officials attended.

Interim report

The CEC, in its interim report, has named certain companies which have been indulging in illegal mining in the reserve forest areas in Bellary and recommended action against them. It also blasted the government for not taking any action on the Lokayukta report on illegal mining. The committee had estimated the total loss to the State exchequer due to illegal export of ore between 2003 and 2010 at a whopping Rs 15,254 crore.

The Supreme Court has posted the next hearing in the case for April 21. It was decided in the high-level meeting to wait till the Supreme Court gives its direction, sources said.  Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the chief minister blamed opposition parties, the Congress and JD(S), for the mess and promised to implement the directions of the Supreme Court on the issue of illegal mining.

“It is their (opposition parties) gift to the State. Loot of ore has been taking place since 2003. It is my government which took action to check it. I have not given any licence for mining after coming to power. The licences were given when the Congress and JD(S) were in power. My government has taken the bold step to ban iron ore exports,” he stated.

The ban , however, has been lifted by the Supreme Court. Yeddyurappa also blamed the Union Government for not acceding to his demand for a ban on iron ore exports. “Illegal mining can be stopped only by banning the export. I have raised the matter at the National Development Council held in Delhi last year. But there has been no action so far,” he said.

“Both states and the Centre are also responsible for protecting the resources of the country. But it has not done anything so far,” the chief minister added.