CEC for probe into 'export' of iron ore

The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended to the state government to set up an “Inter-Departmental Team of officers on a full time basis” for undertaking detailed investigations into the illegal export of iron ore from Krishnapatnam port and Chennai ports.

The Apex Court had asked the CEC to probe the matter after the Dharwad-based NGO Samaj Parivartana Samudaya appealed in its interlocutory application that some mining firms had resorted to illegal export of iron ore after the state government banned the export of iron ore from the state on July 28, 2010.

The CEC, in its latest report to the Apex Court on Friday, expressed its views that it would be better to conduct the detailed investigation by the inter-departmental team of officers instead of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) already constituted by the state government. It has also recommended a follow-up action regarding the details of the illegal iron ore exported from Krishnapatnam and Chennai ports.

The forest bench of the Supreme Court is likely to resume hearing in the illegal mining case on April 30, 2012.

The action has been recommended particularly regarding the details of the illegal iron ore exported, if any, and the lessees, stockyards, suppliers, transporters, exporters and officials involved in such illegalities.

“The present Chairman and other members of the SIT in view of their involvement in preparation of the Reclamation and rehabilitation (R&R) plans, sale of e-auction etc as members of the Monitoring Committee constituted by the Supreme Court may not be in a position to devote adequate time for the detailed investigation and follow up action. The Inter-Departmental team will ensure that the detailed investigation and follow up action are taken in a time bound manner,” M K Jiwrajka, member secretary, CEC said in his report.

According to the information collected by the officials concerned of the state government from the port authorities, about 1.5 million tonnes of iron ore was exported from Krishnapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh and 345,667 tonnes from Chennai port after the ban on export was imposed. A total of 39 exporters are involved in the export of iron ore from Krishnapatnam port while seven exporters are involved in export of ore from Chennai port after the ban was imposed, the CEC said.

After imposing a ban on the exports, the state government restricted the issue of bulk permits for transportation of iron ore for export purposes. It did not prohibit the exports of the iron ore already lying at the port as on July 28, 2010. No bulk permit have been found to have been issued after the ban on export was imposed. However, for verification of trip sheets with reference to bulk permits issued and connected issues a detailed investigation is required, the CEC said in its report.

On the transfer of senior police officers on deputation to Lokayukta, the court appointed panel rejected the stand of Karnataka government on the “sudden transfer” of the officials and noted that “the CEC is presently not recommending any specific action in the matter”.