Centre urged to take steps commence mining at Kudremukh

Bangalore, May 17 (UNI) Central Advisory Committee Iron Ore Mine, Manganese Ore Mines and Chrome Mines Chairman N Rama Reddy today urged the Centre to bring in suitable amendments to commence mining activities in Kuduremukh.

Talking to reporters here, he charged the NGOs opposing mining in the region on environmental grounds with trying to jeopardise the growth of a profit-making PSU.

It was clear that these NGOs were working at the behest of certain foreigners who wanted to destabilise the development of India, he alleged and added that it was an easy way for them to make lots of money.

''The Centre should amend the rules in such a way that it discouraged the NGOs from getting into such illegal and immoral activities,'' Mr Reddy, also heading the Central Labour Welfare Fund, said.

He said he had personally visited the place last month and was impressed with the developmental activities, particularly the environmental activities taken up by KIOCL in the area.

UNI SIV RG GM1545