Karnataka lok ayukta’s final report on illegal mining by month-end

The Karnataka lok ayukta will submit its final report on illegal mining in the state by the end of this month.

Lok ayukta N Santosh Hegde made the announcement while attending a function for the cause of the disabled in the city on Wednesday.

In a ruling last week, the Supreme Court ordered restraining 19 mining companies from mining and stopping the transport of iron ore from Bellary till further orders. The verdict vindicated the state lok ayukta’s first report on illegal mining submitted in 2008.

A central empowered committee (CEC) report earlier submitted to the Supreme Court said that illegal mining took place in the state with the active connivance of officials and public representatives. It cited a December 18, 2008 report of the lok ayukta.

The CEC cited the lok ayukta report to say that leaseholders violated norms and encroached upon forest areas for transportation of iron ore.

The report said no action was taken after the lok ayukta findings and illegal mining continued in the state.

Hegde was the chief guest at the function that awarded Old Age Pension Certificates to 160 disabled persons.

A survey carried out by non-governmental organisation Swabhiman and Masjid-e-Mamoor committee, with personal supervision of Hegde, identified 800 aged and disabled persons from the slums in Rajendra Nagar, LR Nagar and Bismillah Nagar who begged in front of places of worship.