K'taka to probe illegal mining, quarrying in Kanakapura

The Karnataka government has ordered a probe into illegal mining and quarrying activities in Bangalore rural district, which has rich deposits of export-quality granite.

Karnataka forest, environment and ecology minister C Chennigappa told reporters here that the government had received complaints from villagers about illegal mining and quarrying activities.

"Preliminary investigations have revealed that illegal mining was going on inside protected forests in Kanakapura taluk. Four forest department officers, including an assistant conservator of forests, have been suspended for supporting the illegal mining. A detailed inquiry has been ordered to examine the extent of illegal mining and quarrying," he added.

The government has issued notices to all mine owners in Bangalore rural district to stop their operations till the probe is completed.

"Some of the illegal mine owners have fabricated documents and mining leases. They have to be scrutinised thoroughly. These illegal mines and quarries have paid neither mining lease fee nor the royalty to the government. The probe will look into these aspects also," he stated.

Earlier, the government had ordered a detailed inquiry into illegal mining in the iron ore-rich Bellary district. Chennigappa said the inquiry report is awaited.

"I am told that the loss to the government on account of the illegal iron ore mining runs into lakhs of rupees. The amount will be recovered by auctioning the impounded ore extracted from the illegal mines," he said.