Government approves panel to check illegal mining

NEW DELHI - The government Monday cleared a proposal to set up a commission to check illegal mining, following reports of large-scale illegal mining in Karnataka.

According to sources, the commission was cleared by the cabinet Monday morning. It will submit its report in 18 months.

“The commission will look into cases of illegal mining which have been reported from several states, prominently Karnataka,” a source said.

The alleged involvement of the Reddy brothers, Karunakara and Janardhana Reddy who are ministers in Karnataka government, has given a political twist to the issue.

Union Mines Minister B.K. Handique has written to Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on four occasions since November 2009, extending help to central agencies like CBI to curb illegal mining.

Karnataka even announced a ban on the export of iron ore July 26.

However, the central government has ruled out a similar move, as Handique Monday informed the Rajya Sabha that the export of iron ore will continue.

The minister, during question hour, said: “Export of iron ore was necessary as piling up of the ore might cause environmental hazards.”

Illegal mining has been reported from other mineral-rich states as well. While several mines have been closed down in Orissa, Goa has said that it will stop the export of illegally mined iron ore.

The central government is now preparing a full-fledged legislation to give it greater powers to check illegal mining.

The proposed Mines Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2010 gives the government the power to investigate and prosecute those involved in illegal mining and the authority to cancel the lease.

It also focuses on ensuring transparency, strengthening the role of Geological Survey of India and Indian Bureau of Mines. The legislation will also help the states in overcoming the problem of illegal mining and measures to discourage and prevent sub-optimal and unscientific mining.