MLCs question nod to Adani firm for limestone mining in Karnataka

Bengaluru: MLCs of both the ruling and opposition parties on Tuesday questioned the Mines and Geology Department’s decision to allow the Adani-owned ACC Cement Limited to mine limestone overriding the objections raised by the Law Department.

BJP MLC and former minister C T Ravi and Congress MLC K Shivakumar, speaking on behalf of party colleague Arati Krishna, pointed out that the department’s decision ignored the Law Department’s views on the subject.

“The Law Department has recommended that criminal action be initiated against the company, which has not paid royalty to the tune of Rs 850 crore to the government. But the Mines and Geology Department has not only failed to initiate action, but has also renewed the company’s licence,” rued Ravi.

Both Ravi and Shivakumar asked the Mines and Geology Minister to present the opinions held by the Finance Department and the Advocate General on the subject.

“What is the connection between Ambani, Adani and the party that is always criticising them,” asked Ravi.

Replying to the members’ queries on behalf of Mines and Geology Minister S S Mallikarjun, Agriculture Minister N Chalauvarayaswamy assured the House that action would be taken against the company.

“Since the company filed a case in the court, and in keeping with the court’s order, the government allowed the company to continue mining with the existing licence. However, no new licence has been issued,” he added.

Questioned about the government’s failure to collect the pending amount for royalty despite the court’s orders, Chalvurayaswamy added, “Adani is not a God here, and we have no connection with him. Royalty will be recovered as per the law.”