MinesMin offers CBI probe into illegal mining

The ministry has also asked the state to submit an Action Taken Report on the findings of the Lokayukta of the state on the irregularities in the mining sector,in which allegations have been made against several miners. The Lokayukta (Ombudsman) had submitted its report on the extent of illegal mining in December last year,but the Centre is yet to receive any ATR from the state in this connection. Handique went on to suggest that in view of the urgency to investigate the complaints by the Lokayukta,the state government could consider constituting a Special Investigating Team to zero in on those flouting mining norms. Meanwhile,the Karnataka Congress today said it would stage a dharna in Bangalore on December 5,demanding a CBI probe into the alleged illegal mining by companies belonging to three ministers from Bellary and seeking their removal from the B S Yeddyurappa cabinet.

Stating that his ministry has taken a serious view of the irregularities continuing unabated,Handique said,“Strong and purposeful action at the field level is absolutely imperative in the larger interest of the nation. I look forward to your cooperation.”

The minister made a case for utlising the country’s mineral wealth in a regulated manner,saying it belonged to the people of the country and that “it is a finite wealth”.

In the same vein the minister expressed concern over the growing illegal mining in Orissa and pointed out that in an affidavit filed in the Orissa High Court recently his ministry had offered a CBI probe if the state required so. The Orissa High Court is currently hearing a Public Interest Litigation seeking an inquiry by the CBI into the alleged scam. The scam pertaining to mineral theft surfaced during the previous session of the state assembly and was being probed by the state’s anti-corruption wing,which last week unearthed mining irregularities worth Rs 409 crore. Cracking the whip on illegal mining activities in the state,the Naveen Patnaik government is reported to have recently suspended operations in 128 mines.