Action plan on reclamation measures by January 15

The Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) will submit its action plan for reclamation and rehabilitation (R&R) measures in the mine-ravaged districts of Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur by January 15.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting here on Wednesday, Dr V K Bahuguna, Director General, (ICFRE), said a Rs 30,428-crore action plan had been drawn up for R&R measures in the three districts.

Rebuilding roads

The money would be utilised for rebuilding roads damaged due to movement of ore-laden trucks, for construction of well-equipped hospitals and providing basic amenities.

The meeting deliberated at length the priority given to education, health, environmental conservation, afforestation, water, and pollution control in the action plan.

The government will collect 20 per cent of the annual turnover of the mining companies to fund the measures. Dr Bahugna said the State government would inform the Supreme Court on the implementation of the action plan.

It was suggested that a special plan should be formulated to revive the farm lands located close to mining sites.

Bellary Deputy Commissioner A A Biswas, Chitradurga Deputy Commissioner V P Ikkeri and others were present at the meeting.