Illegal mining rampant in Mandya: Lok Sabha MP Sumalatha

Sumalatha Ambareesh asked a question whether the Centre formulating strict rules to check all these illegal mining units

Illegal mining and stone quarrying units are rampant in Mandya district and the government must take action against such units, Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambarish said, in Lok Sabha, on Friday.

Asking a supplementary question on curbing illegal mining, she said residents of more than 15 villages in 2,500 acres of land in Mandya district are suffering severely due to illegal mining or stone quarrying units.

Since most of these units are operating near the forest, it also damages ecology, she said.

She asked a question whether the Centre formulating strict rules to check all these illegal mining units.

Replying to this, Union Minister for Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar said his Ministry has been taking strict action against illegal mining and imposition of fine amount also increased against such units besides filing criminal cases.

"The Environment Ministry is pursuing all complaints against illegal mining and it is the responsibility of the state government to check such things," the minister said.