the National Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR) will now investigate allegations of illegal mining in Chitradurga and Tumkur.
Following Bellary, the National Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR) will now investigate allegations of illegal mining in Chitradurga and Tumkur.
The organisation has made an oral submission and will file an impleading application in the Supreme Court on Monday, seeking a survey of the two districts by the apex court-appointed Central Empowered Committee.
Addressing the media on Saturday, NCPNR founder-chairman SR Hiremath said, “The Supreme Court has already indicated that it is ordering a ban on mining in Bellary, Tumkur and Chitradurga districts. In support of that, we have material evidences to show how illegal mining is being carried out in these two districts (Chitradurga and Tumkur). We will submit the details on Monday. We will also seek the court’s direction for the CEC visit to Tumkur and Chitradurga districts to asses the situation.”
Hiremath alleged that illegal mining is rampant in Tumkur and Chitradurga at the behest of ministers V Somanna and Karunakara Reddy, respectively. The ministers colluded with other miners and their family members, too, were involved, he said.
The department of mines and geology had submitted a report alleging encroachment and illegal mining by Matha Minerals, a company partly owned by Somanna.
The department charged the company’s officials with protecting the firm’s interest and imposed a penalty of Rs16.35 lakh.
BS Naveen and BS Arun are partners in Matha Minerals, which is facing charges in Gubbi taluk of Tumkur district.
Hiremath said 13 of the 17 mining companies, which possess licence, are involved in illegal mining in Tumkur.
The details will be submitted to the Supreme Court, he said.
Hiremath said M Srinivasulu had permission for mining in Kudre Kanive Kaval in Hosadurga taluk, but encroached upon forest land.
“The state government imposed ¤1-crore fine, but no action taken against him. Illegal mining was being conducted in Chitradurga at the behest of district in-charge minister Karunakara Reddy,” said Hiremath.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}