Govt admits illegal mining
The government on Tuesday conceded that “large-scale” illegal mining is taking place in various states. It also said that this could lead to a nexus between criminal and anti-national elements, especially in Naxal-affected areas.
In a written statement in the Lok Sabha, mines minister B.K. Handique said a commission of inquiry has been set up to look into the extent of illegal mining. He further informed the House that the commission has been tasked to present its report within 18 months, in which it would identify persons or firms responsible and ascertain if there had been any tampering of official records relating to land and boundaries.
“Due to a combination of reasons in the recent years, the incidence of illegal mining has grown considerably. This problem is acquiring organised dimensions and may lead to a nexus with criminal and anti-national elements in some of the states, including those affected by Left-wing extremism,” Mr Handique said. Several reports “clearly point” to the fact that mining, raising, transportation and export of iron ore and manganese ore illegally or without lawful authority in various states are taking place on a large scale, the minister added.
Due to rise in demand for iron ore, he said mining activity has increased manifold, particularly in the states of Orissa, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa.
Moreover, later in the day while participating in a short duration discussion in the Lok Sabha over the issue of “illegal mining” in Karnataka, the BJP rejected the demand for a CBI inquiry into it and the JD(S) termed the commission of inquiry “just an eyewash”.
Participating in the discussion BJP leader from Karnataka Ananth Kumar said, “We can’t allow that (CBI investigation)... We are ready for any other investigation.”
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