Amendment to Mining Act to help private players: Cong

During debate on the Bill, Congress Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer said he had witnessed havoc created by private mining companies in Bellary district a few years ago

Opposing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, Congress Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer Hussain on Monday said the intention of the NDA government to bring amendment is to help a few private companies.

During debate on the Bill in Rajya Sabha, he said he had witnessed havoc created by private mining companies in Bellary district a few years ago, by plundering iron ore worth crores of rupees through illegal mining activities.

People of the district have suffered hugely due to pollution and damage caused to the environment, he said. Without naming, Hussain attacked Karnataka BJP leaders during his speech. Due to illegal mining, the then chief minister of Karnataka had to resign and later he went to jail. Several ministers involved in illegal mining activities were also sent to jail, he said.

The Karnataka Lokayukta report in 2011 and subsequently the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee report found illegalities worth Rs 1 lakh crore in Bellary district alone. Based on these reports, the Supreme Court had completely halted the iron ore mining in Karnataka, he said.

He demanded that the Centre send the amendment bill to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for further discussion, and questioned why the NDA government frequently brought amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.