SPS wants to do a Bellary on mining in 2 more districts

It was the petition filed by SPS in the apex court that had led to the formation of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to inquire into illegal mining in Bellary.

The petition was filed before the Forest Bench of the Supreme Court on Monday saying that mining was having an adverse impact on the environment and bio-diversity of the region.

The hearing of the petition is expected to begin on Friday, S R Hiremath of SPS told a press conference, here on Tuesday.

“We have urged the Supreme Court to direct the suspension of all mining and transportation of ore already mined in the forest areas of Bellary, Tumkur and Chitradurga in Karnataka, and Bellary reserve forest in Andhra Pradesh. The apex court-appointed commitee should be directed to submit a report regarding all aspects of illegal mining in Tumkur and Chitradurga districts.

“We have also sought an investigation into all aspects relating to illegal mining and mining in forest area, and collusion of public servants and people’s representatives with the mine owners in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka,” Hiremath said.

“The loss to the environment and bio-diversity should be recovered from the mine owners and they should be jailed,” the petition says.

The wealth amassed by the miners, through illegal mining activities, should be estimated.
The impact of illegal mining on the environment and local communities should be studied by a team of environment experts, and miners’ wealth should be used for restoration of environment and ecology, he noted.

“Like the Reddy brothers in Bellary, Minister V Somanna is indulging in illegal mining in Tumkur. Anil Lad’s mining licence expired 10 years ago. He is trying to get it renewed now. This should not be allowed,” he said.

Meeting on Aug 1

To discuss various problems including the impact of mining on the environment, a meeting of scientists, intellectuals, environmentalists and others would be held on August 1 in Dharwad.

On the occasion of Quit India Day on August 9, processions, awareness programmes, and various meetings would be organised in all districts of the State, regarding community ownership of natural resources like water, forest, land, minerals and seeds, Hiremath added.