Notices served on all 170 mining firms to stop operations

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A day after the Supreme Court ordered suspension of mining operations in the district, the administration on Saturday served notices to all 170 mining companies to halt operations.

Official sources said the authorities asked all mine owners to comply with the Supreme Court directive.

The Apex Court had yesterday ordered immediate suspension of mining and transportation of iron ore from Bellary district, stating that "over-exploitation" of the area has caused large-scale environmental degradation.

The court passed the order by taking note of the report of its expert panel, Central Empowered Committee, which said most miners in the region were indulging in illegal mining, causing considerable environmental damage.

Meanwhile, police today seized 49 trucks illegally transporting iron ore at Alighar on the outskirts of the city.

Police said the value of the seized material was being ascertained.