SC check sought on 'mining'

Samaj Parivarthan Samudaya (SPS), a Dharwad-based non-government organisation, which has been spearheading the campaign against illegal mining in Karnataka, is filing an interlocutory application in the Supreme Court in its writ petition seeking intervention in the alleged illegal mining in Tumkur and Chitradurga.

“Illegal mining activities have been found in 13 mines in Tumkur and two mines in Chitradurga. Two of them are owned and operated by politicians and ministers in Karnataka,” S R Hiremath, founder of SPS told reporters, here today.

Tumkur and Chitradurga contribute about 25 per cent of Karnataka’s total iron ore output at 12-13 million tonnes per annum. Most of the ore found in these districts is of low grade (below 53 grade Fe).

The Supreme Court, which has been hearing the case, so far ordered the closure of 29 of the 42 mines surveyed in Bellary district based on the recommendations of the Joint

Survey Committee (JSC) set up by the Court. The survey of remaining 55 mines is progressing and the four-member JSC is likely to visit Bellary on July 23.

After achieving a major success in its campaign against illegal mining in Bellary district, the SPS has now turned its focus on illegal mining in Tumkur and Chitradurga districts. Hiremath said they have collected incriminating documents against mining leases that have circumvented norms to plunder natural resources.

A joint survey by the Department of Revenue, and Department of Mines and Geology confirmed violations by leaseholders, including Canara Minerals, MSR Gupta, Matha Minerals, S Sudarshan Singh, Latha Mining Company, B R Surendra Nath Singh, Balaji Produce Company, B R Dayanath Singh, M Upendran, Tumkur Minerals, Teja Works, Hanuman Mines and Karnataka Mining Company. These 13 companies have encroached 93.40 acres in various survey numbers, he said.

The office of the Director of Mines and Geology has found that Matha Minerals had tampered with the border stones and lines, and violated the rules, besides encroaching upon government land adjacent to the leased area and was indulging in mining illegally. It is also found that the company has trespassed and was doing mining on 37.30 acres.

“Similarly two mining leases have allegedly violated norms in Chitradurga districts and despite bringing it to the notice of the government, no punitive action has been initiated. In view of that we are filing interlocutory application in the Supreme Court seeking its intervention,” Hiremath said.