The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Minister blows the whistle on rampant illegal mining

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 01, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Minister blows the whistle on rampant illegal mining

T.S. Ranganna

All rules flouted in the quest for a fast buck in Bellary district

Bangalore: Minister for Environment and Forests C. Chennigappa, in the first such attempt by a Minister in the State, has drawn attention to the illegal mining of iron ore and other minerals worth crores of rupees in two taluks of Bellary district. The illegal mining has also resulted in the destruction of hundreds of hectares of forest land that has been encroached upon.

The Minister's action has evoked support from all sections, including the Opposition parties, in the legislature.

In a letter to Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy some time ago, the contents of which were debated in the legislature, the Minister, who is a member of the Janata Dal (Secular), has said that from Bellary district alone, revenue of up to Rs. 800 crores can be got by putting an end to illegal mining. He expressed shock over the brazen manner in which some officers of the Forest, Police, Mines and Geology, Revenue and Environment departments are conniving with unscrupulous mine owners who have been defrauding the exchequer for decades.

Inspection

Mr. Chennigappa, along with two principal chief conservators of forests and other forest officials, inspected the mines on February 22 and 23. He informed Mr. Kumaraswamy that the mining companies have not only flouted all the rules, but they have even forged the signatures of officials to carry out their illegal mining and transportation operations.

At least a dozen mine owners have grown so rich that they use their own helicopters to monitor the mining operations.

According to sources in the Chief Minister's secretariat, what is even more shocking is that some mine owners have the temerity to tell senior officials that those who matter in the Government are "in their pockets."

The fact that they have clout was proved when the Chief Minister reportedly stayed Mr. Chennigappa's order stopping mining in the district till a survey of the area is completed.

But, Mr. Kumaraswamy announced in the Legislative Assembly and Council that there is no question of protecting any erring mine owner and he would order a "result-oriented inquiry" into the points raised by the Minister as well as the Opposition. The delay in ordering an inquiry, he said, is only because several departments are involved. He rejected the demand for an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation, saying it would not serve any purpose.

In his letter to the Chief Minister, Mr. Chennigappa, has said that one company, M.S.P.L of Hospet taluk, has encroached upon 157 acres of forest land whereas it has been leased only 858 acres in Survey No. 1 at Vyasanakere.

The Minister's letter says that mining companies have illegally printed thousands of way-permits, built roads and encroached forest land in violation of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. He has recommended disciplinary action against all the officials responsible for allowing such illegal activities and causing a loss of revenue to the Government.

There are 48 mines in Bellary district — 30 in Sandur taluk, 12 in Hospet taluk and six in Bellary taluk.

(To be concluded)

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