Now, DCF cracks the whip in Bellary

Heat turned on mining lords

The transfer effected by the chief minister in the mining district aggravated the brewing turmoil in the ruling party.

Biswajit Mishra, who took over as the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) barely two days ago, has swung into action in right earnest.

The Forest Department, particularly, has become more vigilant with the new incumbent at the helm.
Illegal mining operators have started feeling the heat with the deputy conservator of forests instructing them to strictly follow the rule book.

The officials of Forest, Mines and Geology Departments have started thorougly checking the vehicles on Sandur Road and Kallahalli checkpost.

Hundreds of trucks which were transporting ores without statutory permits have been seized. Sources said more than 40 per cent of mines have either halted mining or cut down the output as there were clear indications that the operation would continue.

As per rules, 16 tonnes of ore could be transported in a truck, but it was a norm in the district to carry over 20 tonnes.

The revelation

The “new-found revelation” on the part of law enforcers has resulted in dwindling truck traffic on the Hospet-Sandur stretch. More than 500 trucks used to ply per day on the route. High-tonnage vehicles are not venturing on to roads.

The heightened vigil has also put a cap on mining ores over and above the stipulated quantity using high capacity machinery. Such machinery is said to have been shifted from the area of operation.