CBI to probe illegal mining

“The task force will focus on Andhra Pradesh to begin with,but it will be free to visit any place to gather information,” said an official.

The Andhra government recently asked the Centre to order a CBI probe into the alleged illegal mining in the state,including the activities of the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) promoted by Karnataka Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy.

OMC is accused of allegedly changing mining lease boundary markings between Andhra and Karnataka. On the advice of the Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court,the Andhra government recently suspended mining operations in six mines,five of which reportedly belong to OMC.

Meanwhile,the Mines Ministry has written to the Union Home Ministry asking for the inclusion of mining in the list of activities under the purview of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). “This indicates our determination to go far into the issue,” a Mines official said.

The Ministry has also endorsed the demand of mineral-rich states that central paramilitary forces be pressed into service against illegal mining.

However,iron ore-rich states like Karnataka are not keen to seek the Ministry’s help in ordering a CBI probe. The B S Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka has been soft-pedalling the issue,and last week turned down Mines Minister B K Handique’s offer for a CBI probe.

The issue has rocked Andhra Pradesh and Orissa,with the Opposition seeking to corner the governments on the issue. The winter session of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly,scheduled to begin tomorrow,is likely to witness heated discussions.

The Central Empowered Committee has indicted the Andhra government for doing little to prevent illegal mining,and recommended that all mining activity in the region be suspended until boundaries of the mining leases are determined and fixed by an independent agency in a time-bound manner.

Acting on the directives of the Karnataka High Court,the Indian Bureau of Mines has already begun surveying and demarcating boundaries in the area in coordination with the Karnataka and Andhra governments. The Bellary region alone has an estimated 12,000 “float iron ore” mines,at which workers dig by hand for small quantities of iron ore that “float” near the surface — in complete violation of environmental and mining norms.

Curated For You

Bigg Boss Kannada 12 Winner LIVE Updates: Gilli Nata gives ‘a big salute, heartfelt thanks’ to fans after winning trophy, Rs 50 lakh and a car

School timings in Noida, Greater Noida, Dadri changed due to dense fog

Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 Winner LIVE Updates: Divya Ganesan named grand champion, takes home trophy, Rs 50 lakh cash prize and car