The Centre has suspended forest clearances of some firms, including that of the Obulapuram Mining Company owned by Karnataka minister G Janardhana Reddy, for allegedly carrying out "illegal" mining in six mines in Andhra Pradesh.
The action has been taken by the Ministry of Environment and Forests after a Supreme Court-appointed committee suggested that "illegal" mining was being carried out in these six mines in Anantpur district, bordering Karnataka.
The ministry has the asked the state government to ban mining activities at these mines immediately.
Reddy and his brother G Karunakara Reddy, both BJP leaders, were in news recently for their rebellion against Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and their attempts to dislodge him.
Earlier, the Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court had said that the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) was carrying out "illegal" mining of iron ore in the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border.
"The state government has been asked to stop mining activities at these six mines immediately. It will also stop the transportation of materials excavated at these six sites," a ministry official said.
Besides, the Andhra Pradesh government has been asked to conduct a survey for demarcation of the mining boundaries. The ministry has advised the state government to get the survey done by Survey of India, the official said.
