Irregularities galore in mining in Bellary
the recently held elections in Karnataka paved the way for several mine owners to the state assembly. Some of them who belong to Bellary district have even got key ministerial berths such as the revenue ministry and the ministry of tourism and infrastructure development. The district, located in the eastern part of the state, produces about a fifth of the iron ore produced in the country. At the same time, a state body looking into the issue of illegal mining is expected to submit a report by June end. Down To Earth (dte) has learnt that the investigating body has found several irregularities in the existing system that affects people, agriculture, forests and wildlife.
The state government referred the issue of illegal mining to the lokayukta, a one-member grievance cell.The lokayukta used the services of forest officials, retired judges, former officials of the mines and mineral department and the police for the investigation.