Karnataka Governor backs panel report on rampant illegal mining

To another question,Bhardwaj,en route to Belgaum to attend a function,said that though he was vocal about large-scale illegal mining in the state when he first came in as the Governor,he could not comment on it now “since the matter is between the Supreme Court and the state government”. Asked if he had received a copy of the first report on illegal mining that the Lokayukta had submitted to the government,he said “including the Lokayukta report,I have not received any information till date on the matter from the government”.

On April 15,the SC-appointed CEC had found large-scale illegal mining in Karnataka,particularly in Bellary forest region,in connivance with officials and politicians,after which the apex court sought a response from the state government. Bellary assumes importance because of the business of powerful mining magnates and politicians in the area.