Illegal mining: Expert panel to decide on compensation

The Supreme Court has ordered the setting up of an expert committee to ascertain the compensation to be given by mining lease holders in Karnataka for illegal extraction of iron ores and consequent damages to the ecology of the area.

As it laid down certain “absolute” initial conditions to be complied with by the lease holders before the court could consider resumption of mining operations in the 63 ‘B’ Category mining leases in Bellary,Chitradurga and Tumkur districts,a Forest Bench,led by Justice Aftab Alam,directed constitution of a committee to determine the losses caused on account of illegal extraction of iron ore,profits made,and the resultant damage caused to the environment.

The committee will submit a report within three months.