Karnataka mining: SC accepts CEC suggestions

The Supreme Court on Friday accepted the recommendations of a Central Empowered Committee CEC,appointed by it,which had suggested that no new mining leases should be granted in Bellary,Tumkur and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka unless rehabilitation plans for the existing leases were executed.

A Forest Bench headed by Chief Justice SH Kapadia directed the implementation of Reclamation and Rehabilitation Ramp;R plan in all categories of mines to start immediately. It said the preparation,implementation and monitoring of Ramp;R would be under the supervision of CEC.

The Bench also comprising Justices Aftab Alam and Swatanter Kumar asked the CEC to suggest ways for disposal of stockyards. Further,the Bench also asked CEC whether work could be made operational in the category A mines.