Centre okays probe on illegal mining in Karnataka

The Centre on Monday cleared a proposal for setting up a commission to check illegal mining.

The decision follows several meetings that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has held with senior mines ministry officials. The commission will submit its report within 18 months after monitoring the progress of state governments like Karnataka in checking the menace. 

The concerns over the issue have gained further ground after the Reddy brothers, ministers in the Karnataka government, have been allegedly found to be involved in illegal mining.

“Thank god, the union government has opened its eyes now. The decision has come after I met the PM to demand a blanket ban on illegal iron ore mining,” chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said.