K'taka CM calls for nationalisation of mining

Bangalore, Aug 12: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to nationalise mining to safeguard the country's rich natural resource.

Speaking to mediapersons here, after releasing a cassette on 'Mining in Bellary' produced by two senior journalists, he said he would also meet the Prime Minister soon to appraise him about ill effects of mining on environment and prevail upon him to control it.

He had also written a letter to him (Dr Singh) earlier in April after he took over, he recalled.

Observing that the eco system had been totally destroyed through illegal mining, he said abuse of environment for commercial purposes to make only a handful of people prosperous should never be allowed.

There was a need to have a debate at the national level in this regard to nationalise mining, he felt.

Replying to queries related to mining in Bellary district, he regretted that Andhra Pradesh government had not been cooperative with regard to stopping of illegal mining. Though there was a High Court order in 1988 itself in this regard, illegal mining continued unabated and the Andhra Pradesh government had not initiated any action, he recalled.

He said several department officials had colluded to allow illegal mining in the district and he also knew several cases closed by former Superintendent of Police Prashant Kumar Thakur to show favoritism. He was also ready to have these cases inquired into, he added.

Mr Kumaraswamy also took exception to the centre showing apathy towards Karnataka. While the response was very encouraging and immediate in case of states like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, the centre was yet to respond to providing relief to flood victims in Karnataka, he pointed out.

UNI

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