The Karnataka Mines and Geology Department has recommended to the State Government to cancel the leases of 24 mining companies which have been indicted by the Lokayukta report on illegal mining.
The department in its September 24 letter to the Principal Secretary to the Industries and Commerce Department has recommended cancellation of the leases as they were involved in illegal extraction of iron ore and transportation of it, according to a reply received by Mr Tapal Ganesh, a mines owner himself, under Right to Information (RTI) Act. Mr Ganesh, waging a battle against illegal mining, released the copies of the letter to the press here today.
The department said the leases of 24 mining companies should be terminated under Section 4 of MMDR Act 1957 and Rule 22, 27 (5), 37 and 45 of MCR 1960 by forfeiting the security deposit pending recovery of the losses caused to the State.