Bangalore: Karnataka has constituted a
team of officials to compile a detailed reply over issues
raised by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered
Committee (CEC) on illegal mining in the state.
A team of officials from Mines and Geology, Forest and
Revenue Departments had already been constituted to prepare a
consolidated report and they would submit a detailed report to
the CEC within a week, an official release said here today.
The CEC visited the state for four days from March 25
and inspected mining areas of 11 mining firms in Bellary
district and held discussions with the chief secretary and the
Lokayukta.
The officials informed the CEC team that state
government has issued notice to more than 165 mineral traders
whose alleged involvement in illegal transportation of iron
ore worth more than Rs 3,000 crore out of the state without
permits and were making effort to recover Rs 700 crore from
them.
"In order to recover the money, a special team is
being constituted and if necessary, a special law will be
formulated," the state informed the CEC.
The committee appreciated the measures initiated by
the government banning export of iron ore and monitoring
movement of iron ore transport lorries, the statement said.
The government had assured the CEC that officers and
employees responsible for illegal orders, omission and
commissions will be suitably dealt with as per the law.
Karnataka Minister for Tourism G Janardhana Reddy and
his family members and Minister for Health B Sreeramulu faced
allegations of having mining interest in Karnataka.
PTI
