Dharwad-based non-government organisation - Samaj Parivartana Samudaya (SPS) – has urged the apex court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to recommend ban on mining activities in Tumkur and Chitradurga districts.
Mr S.R. Hiremath founder president of Samaj Parivartana Samudaya in a letter to the CEC has said “The CEC should recommend the same kind of stringent steps/procedures taken in Bellary for Chitradurga and Tumkur and suspend the mining and transport operations in view of widespread irregularities and illegalities in the two districts.”
“The amount of illegality in Tumkur and Chitradurga districts with regard to mining is no less than that of Bellary,” he added.
Based on Samaj Parivartana Samudaya petition the Supreme Court banned mining activities in Bellary district.
Mr Hiremath listing out some of the major illegalities said that several mining lease holders have not maintained the boundary pillar which is a statutory requirement.
“By doing away with the boundary pillars, the lease holders take the liberty of encroaching on adjacent forest as well revenue lands. The Indian Bureau of Mines by unscientifically fixing the annual production limits leading to unsustainable mining practices,” he explained.
Further, he has alleged Mata Minerals mines whose Managing Director Mr B S Arun is the son of Minister Mr V Sommanna of violating a significant Supreme Court judgment besides committing serious irregularities and illegalities.
Mr Hiremath said that many mining lease holders are securing patta lands from local farmers on 99-year leases for the payment of paltry sums.
To set right these illegalities, Mr Hiremath has said that it is necessary to have a joint survey as was ordered by the Supreme Court in the matter of 99 mining leases in Bellary district.
He also said “We urge the CEC to recommend that the same empowered team be invested with the task of surveying the mining areas in Chitradurga and Tumkur districts for fixing the lease areas on the ground and for suspending the mining operations of lease holders who are in violation of the lease conditions.”