SC likely to allow mining in Karnataka

Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsAfter two hours of hearing, the apex court on Friday indicated that it might permit mining activities in Karnataka again. A three-judge Forest Bench comprising Justice Aftab Alam, Justice K S Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatanter Kumar said that it would pass orders on Monday in this regard. Amicus Curiae in the case Shyam Divan who began his submissions from 2 pm told the Bench that it might consider permitting the resumption of mining operations by “Category A” companies, where there are least illegalities. He also submitted the Central Empowered Committee’s (CEC) report dated August 29 to the Bench. He told the Bench that out of the 166 mining leases, 19 working leases and 24 nonworking leases were found not involved in illegal mining or in marginal illegalities. The rest of the 123 mining leases were found to be involved in illegal mining. An area of 1,723.63 hectares, outside the sanctioned lease area was found to have been illegally used and out of which an area of 405.79 ha and 485.68 ha was found to have been used, outside the sanctioned mining lease areas, for illegal mining pits and over burden dumps. Based on the extent of illegal mining found, the CEC has classified the mining leases in A, B C Categories. Category A comprises 21 working leases and 24 non working leases wherein no illegalities or marginal illegalities have been found, Divan told the Bench. Category B comprises 61 mining leases wherein illegal mining was detected. Category C comprises leases werein illegal mining by way of mining outside the sanctioned lease have been found to be more than 10 per cent of the lease area, the amicus curiae told the Bench. Sensing the mood of the Bench, advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner NGO Samaj Parivartana Samuda objected to the idea of the resumption of mining unless all statutory clearances are received by the companies. The Bench has on Friday made it clear that the mining companies will have comply with all the statutory rules and it would not impede any kind of investigation against them. It also said that the companies will have to pay damages for causing harm to environment for indulging in illegal mining. first published:September 01, 2012, 08:55 ISTlast updated:September 01, 2012, 08:55 IST 
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