‘Mining in K’taka only after IBM nod’

The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to probe illegal mining in Karnataka has ruled out resumption of mining operations in the state until mining plans in category A and B mines in Bellary,Tumkur and Chitradurga districts are vetted by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).

In a letter on May 29 to mines secretary Vishwapati Trivedi,the CEC said pursuant to the Supreme Court order on April 13,preparation and implementation of relief and rehabilitation (R&R) plans in respect of leases of 50 hectares and above in category A and B mines in these districts have been undertaken by the Karnataka government through the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). The R&R plans are being executed under the supervision of the CEC. “As per the information provided to the CEC in respect of a large number of mining leases,the period of the approved plan/scheme has either expired or nearing expiry. Therefore,the mining operations in respect of such leases can be allowed to be re-started only after their mining plans are approved by the IBM,” the CEC said in the letter.

The Supreme Court,accepting the CEC recommendations on mining in Karnataka,had on April 13 directed that a ceiling of 25 MT be imposed on iron ore production in Bellary and 5 MT in Chitradurga and Tumkur districts.

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The CEC has classified the mining leases in the three districts into three categories: Category A comprises 45 mines where there is no illegality. For such mines,the committee will give suggestions on commencing preparatory work and building stockyards.

Category B comprises 72 leases. Here,the CEC found illegal mining with mining pits extending 10 per cent beyond sanctioned areas and in areas where waste dumps are outside the lease.

Category C comprises 49 leases with flagrant violations of the Forest Conservation Act and mining activities in other lease areas.