The Hindu : National : Illegal mining: Minister writes to Yeddyurappa

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

Illegal mining: Minister writes to Yeddyurappa

Sujay Mehdudia

Jairam Ramesh

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has written to Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa raising concerns about illegal mining in the Bellary forest area of the State that has become a cause for worry among various non-governmental organisations, conservationists and experts.

Mr. Ramesh in his letter said that a number of NGOs and experts had approached him in the last few days raising concerns about illegal mining in Bellary forest area.

Ecological values

“The Bellary forest area has had rich ecological values and biodiversity treasures as the writing that I have read of the great naturalist M. Krishnan reveals,” the letter states. “I am aware that this matter has been investigated by the Lokayukta. I am given to understand that the Lokayukta’s report is for the period 2000-2006. I wonder whether the report of the Lokayukta has been accepted and action initiated on its recommendations since it is based on detailed enquiry and actual survey. I wonder whether there has been any update on stopping illegal mining in the Bellary forest area since 2006,” Mr. Ramesh said.

He said that protection of biodiversity, particularly in forest areas, was a shared concern of the Centre and State governments.

“It is in this spirit that I am writing this letter to you and seek your support to ensure that laws are not flouted during mining and mining takes place in an environmentally sustainable manner. This is not a matter of partisan politics but it is a matter that is essential for our collective ecological security,” the Minister said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National