HC directs Karnataka govt to stop mining in forest areas

Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the government to take stringent steps to stop mining and granite quarrying on forest land.

The green bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice A S Bopanna further directed the government to cancel the lease of all such firms who were engaged in these operations on forest land and submit a report within four weeks on the steps they (government) are going to take.

The bench gave the directions on a petition filed by a resident of Somwarpet (Kodagu) challenging the government order cancelling the lease of some firms which were engaged in mining and granite quarrying in forest land.