New policy to check illegal mining: Nirani

Minister of Mines and Geology Murugesh Nirani on Monday said that new policy will be implemented to control illegal mining activities.

The minister, who inspected the mining activities of DBL Company at the forest area in Kalenahalli, Srirangapatna taluk, said, "Mining activities are inevitable for development activities. The government will introduce a policy to ensure that mining activities will be taken up legally." Nirani warned legal action against illegal mining activities.

MP Sumalatha said, "Stone quarrying is posing a threat to Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam in Srirangapatna taluk and the farmers in the region are under fear. I have raised the issue in the Parliament and we are ready for an agitation to protect the dam."

The minister said, "It appears that DBL Company, which has taken up Mysuru-Bengaluru National highway project, has involved in illegal mining activities in Srirangapatna taluk. I have directed the officials concerned to give a detailed report after investigation. According to the officials, the company has mined 1.5 lakh tonne stones and measures will be taken to collect royalty for it."