Centre asks K'taka to act against 3 mining firms

New Delhi, Jul 6: Central government has urged Karnataka government to take legal actions against the three mining firms involved with the Bellary issue for alleged violation of forest regulations.

Jairam Ramesh, Environment Minister had asked BS Yeddyurappa to take action against the alleged firms which were carrying out mining activities without adhering to mandatory legal norms of forest clearance.

The three mining firms are SB Minerals, Trident Minerals and Veeyam Private Ltd. Ramesh has asked Karnataka government to temporarily withdraw the forest clearance provided to these firms till they implement the norms that included erection of pillars and tree plantation in safety zone during the rainy season. Till then, no transportation of minerals will be allowed, said Ramesh.

Ramesh has urged Yeddyurappa to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the issue by Jul 10.

Ramesh said that the three firms should erect heavy boundary pillars and enable a mandatory safe zone of 7.5 metres width around the mining areas which is a mandatory condition for carrying out any mining activity, under Forest Advisory Committee (FAC). FAC is the statutory panel under the ministry of Ramesh which monitors forest violations.

The mining companies will have to implement the conditions within a period of one month.

OneIndia News