Bangalore: The Government has ordered a Lokayukta investigation of unauthorised mining of iron ore in Bellary district, and sought to identify officials of various departments who are colluding with owners of illegal mines.

A request to the Lokayukta to conduct an inquiry was made on June 23, and an investigation will begin after a new Lokayukta assumes office. Sources in the Government told The Hindu that a former judge of the Supreme Court was expected to be appointed as Lokayukta, shortly.

The order of the Government, which will help curb unauthorised mining, was issued much before allegations of corruption were made against Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy by Bharatiya Janata Party MLC from Bellary district, Janardhana Reddy. The request to the Lokayukta has come in handy for the Chief Minister to defend himself.

The BJP legislator made the allegations on July 8, and they affected relations between the two coalition partners. The matter is being discussed in the legislature, and the Chief Minister is scheduled to give his reply on Friday.

State's interests

Mr. Kumaraswamy told The Hindu that he was ready to impose a ban on iron ore mining till a proper mining policy was drafted. "I am ready to initiate any action suggested against offenders. It is time action was taken to protect the interests of the State," he said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister said the Government was ready to adopt a mining policy with vigil on mines, particularly those of iron ore. He had said he had neither issued a licence for mining in the past five months, nor was he a beneficiary.

The Government has asked the Lokayukta to submit a report expeditiously as this will enable it to fix responsibility and commence prosecution. It has not specified any time limit for completion of the investigation.

The Government is also expected to direct the Transport Department to stop overloaded lorries.

The preamble to the order on the Lokayukta investigation says there have been violations of regulations and laws, especially the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and unauthorised mining was rampant in forest areas. The Government has suffered a huge loss of revenue on account of unauthorised mining. Fake permits have been issued for mining and transportation of iron ore.

Sources in the State Secretariat said the Government's request to the Lokayukta was based on letters from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests on February 29 and April 26.

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