The role of central agencies is limited to issuing licences and the state forest department has turned a blind eye to violations by mining majors, Karnataka Lokayukta Justice N SANTOSH HEGDE said in a recent conversation
Do you think the ban on export of iron ore has served its purpose?
Export hasn’t come to a halt. There is material to show that in the guise of supplying to a steel mill, ore has been transported for export. It is only a matter of transport permit to show, who knows after that where the lorry goes? A couple of weeks back, we found that ore had been transported to Krishnapatnam port for export. I can’t specify the quantity but we will write about it to the Andhra Pradesh government.
Are mining companies still flouting environmental regulations?
Certainly, there is large-scale violation of environmental regulations. Illegal mining that is being carried out in reserve forest areas involves facilitating machinery, converting forest areas into roads, mineral waste being dumped where there is forest vegetation. These are all prohibited under law. Apart from this, the explosives used in the process of mining have caused great damage to animals and birds. I am told, some species endemic to the area, like sloth bears and some variety of birds, have migrated.
Needless to say, water bodies are polluted with mineral dust, agricultural activities have stopped.
When the ore is transported, the roads which are unable to take this huge capacity have given way, human habitations and farm land on either side of the road constantly face dust and pollution.
Why hasn’t the forest department cracked down on these violations?
We had contacted several forest officials but didn’t get any proper reply. So we had to send our investigation report to the government.
What role has the central government played in monitoring the condition of the mines?
There has been almost no action by central government authorities. The job of the central empowered committee is limited to giving licences. Day-to-day monitoring is to be done by the state forest staff, forest guards and chief conservators. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen any action by them.
Many small farmers are said to have switched from agriculture to mining. Is that true?
There is a concept called ‘floating ore’. In and around Bellary, some quantity of ore rolls down the hills and collects in agricultural land. It ruins agricultural activities so farmers go and dig these places. Some small ‘collection’ traders take this material and give it to bigger traders.
What about the clearances the MoEF continues to give every year?
The process of granting a mining lease starts from the state level. It is obligated to make certain enquiries and check the boundaries and likely damage to human habitations. The central government can re-survey the area if they want to but that has not happened. Unfortunately, the casual manner of granting clearances has only depended on monetary and political pressures.
What role has the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board played?
They have recently passed an order of closure of the Bilikere port but it is anyway supposed to be closed during monsoon. We have not seen them doing any active work in Bellary.
Do you think the ban on export of iron ore has served its purpose?
Export hasn’t come to a halt. There is material to show that in the guise of supplying to a steel mill, ore has been transported for export. It is only a matter of transport permit to show, who knows after that where the lorry goes? A couple of weeks back, we found that ore had been transported to Krishnapatnam port for export. I can’t specify the quantity but we will write about it to the Andhra Pradesh government.
Are mining companies still flouting environmental regulations?
Certainly, there is large-scale violation of environmental regulations. Illegal mining that is being carried out in reserve forest areas involves facilitating machinery, converting forest areas into roads, mineral waste being dumped where there is forest vegetation. These are all prohibited under law. Apart from this, the explosives used in the process of mining have caused great damage to animals and birds. I am told, some species endemic to the area, like sloth bears and some variety of birds, have migrated.
Needless to say, water bodies are polluted with mineral dust, agricultural activities have stopped.
When the ore is transported, the roads which are unable to take this huge capacity have given way, human habitations and farm land on either side of the road constantly face dust and pollution.
Why hasn’t the forest department cracked down on these violations?
We had contacted several forest officials but didn’t get any proper reply. So we had to send our investigation report to the government.
What role has the central government played in monitoring the condition of the mines?
There has been almost no action by central government authorities. The job of the central empowered committee is limited to giving licences. Day-to-day monitoring is to be done by the state forest staff, forest guards and chief conservators. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen any action by them.
Many small farmers are said to have switched from agriculture to mining. Is that true?
There is a concept called ‘floating ore’. In and around Bellary, some quantity of ore rolls down the hills and collects in agricultural land. It ruins agricultural activities so farmers go and dig these places. Some small ‘collection’ traders take this material and give it to bigger traders.
What about the clearances the MoEF continues to give every year?
The process of granting a mining lease starts from the state level. It is obligated to make certain enquiries and check the boundaries and likely damage to human habitations. The central government can re-survey the area if they want to but that has not happened. Unfortunately, the casual manner of granting clearances has only depended on monetary and political pressures.
What role has the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board played?
They have recently passed an order of closure of the Bilikere port but it is anyway supposed to be closed during monsoon. We have not seen them doing any active work in Bellary.
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