The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Activists object to KIOCL proposal

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Sunday, Aug 10, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Activists object to KIOCL proposal

Special Correspondent

‘KIOCL in illegal possession of 5,000 hectares of land’
Government urged to reject tourism proposal

Bangalore: Wildlife activists have objected to the proposal of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) to venture into eco-tourism in collaborating with Jungle Lodges and Resorts. They have termed the move to promote commercial tourism in the Kudremukh National Park (KNP) highly objectionable.

In a statement, trustees of Wildlife First K.M. Chinnappa and Praveen Bhargav said that “the apex court unambiguously rejected KIOCL’s plea to start eco-tourism” in Kudremukh in its December 15 order and directed the Government to take possession of the mines and implement the mine closure plan with “no or minimal disturbance to the unbroken area”.

The statement said that in the light of the Supreme Court judgment, the Government could not allow any activity by the company that had already caused grave damage to the forests of Kudremukh and the sensitive catchment areas of the Bhadra river.

The statement said that despite the judgment of the Supreme Court, the company continued to be in illegal possession of around 5,000 hectares of land with plant and machinery within the limits of the KNP. The company was now trying to hang on to public lands and exploit its real estate value by floating proposals for creation of luxury tourism facilities in association with Jungle Lodges and Resorts inside the KNP, they said.

“The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, prohibits creation of tourism facilities within the limits of a national park, which applies to Jungle Lodges also.” The statement said the Government should immediately ensure that the judgment of the Supreme Court was implemented in letter and spirit by taking possession of the entire mining area within the limits of the KNP.

Mr. Bhargav and Mr. Chinnappa have appealed to the Government to evict KIOCL and take possession of all land held by KIOCL since the company could not even be in legal possession after the lease ended on December 31, pursuant to the Supreme Court judgment. They also wanted the Government to reject all proposals by KIOCL and Jungle Lodges and Resorts for luxury tourism.

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