Bangalore, Aug 31 (IANS) The Karnataka government is setting up 13 more check posts to curb illegal mining and transportation of iron ore from the state, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said Tuesday.
‘We are putting up 13 more check-posts and deploy more investigative squads to prevent illegal mining of iron ore and its transportation for exports from the state,’ Yeddyurappa told reporters here.
The chief minister held a review meeting with officials of the departments of mines and geology, forest, revenue and police in the face of severe criticism from the Karnataka High Court and the state ombudsman (Lokyaukta) Justice N.Santosh Hegde over the government’s failure to check illegal mining even after banning it July 26.
Among the additional measures are bar-coding of transport permits and setting up of a special task force with officials from mining, transport and police departments.
‘About 100,000 metric tonnes (MT) of iron ore were seized from 58 stockyards in the last two months. These include 3,081 MT from Anathapura, 75,000 MT from Sandur and 30,799 MT from Hospet in the rich mineral district of Bellary,’ Yeddyurappa said.
The government is also forming 13 search teams for patrolling the mining areas in Chitradurga, Hospet, Bellary and Gadag and ports at Mangalore and Karwar in the coastal region.
‘A detailed action taken report on curbing illegal mining will be sent to the ombudsman and the high court soon,’ the chief minister added.
The state government will also review the new measures being taken every fortnight to ensure illegal mining was brought under control.
